Writer, Donor Relations

Olin College of Engineering seeks employees who are passionate about working collaboratively within and outside of the Olin community to support the College’s mission and vision for the future.

At Olin, we are educating the next generation of engineering innovators and shifting the definition of engineering. Not only do our students ask, “Who are we designing this for, and what are their values?” They also ask questions about the impact of their work on society.

As Olin evolves under the leadership of our new president, Dr. Gilda Barabino, we seek to become a more diverse and aware community, a place where everyone is a learner and where everyone is an educator. Olin will become a place where experimentation—including making and learning from mistakes—will be embraced across the institution, not just in the classroom. Collaboration is key to Olin’s curriculum and culture, and we will work intentionally to reinforce the values and culture to which we aspire.

We are a community that thrives on being together; we value trust. The College supports teams to collaboratively decide how they can best do their work, display a commitment to the community, all while providing individuals with overall work-life-flexibility.

This is an exciting time at Olin College. The College recently adopted a new strategic plan and is ready to launch several new strategic initiatives.  

Olin College is just 20 years old. It graduates 90 alums every year and currently has an alumni base of 1,250 people, the oldest of whom is under 40 years old. The Olin Fund regularly meets and exceeds its goal of $900,000. Alumni and parent participation rates are some of the highest in the country.

The Office of Strategic Communications (OSCOM) is responsible for all marketing and communications, as well as meeting goals connected to the Olin Fund and building relationships with alums, Olin families and others connected to the Olin community.

As Olin embraces its new strategic plan, building on its rich history of philanthropy will be an important component of success.  

We are now looking for a creative donor relations writer to join our team. This position will provide critical stewardship and administrative support. We are looking for someone who is interested in Olin’s mission-focused work, is enthusiastic and wants to be a key member of a high-functioning team.

Stewardship and Donor Relations, 75% of time

• Work with OSCOM team to develop and maintain a stewardship plan that increases the engagement of Olin donors.
• Produce and distribute donor correspondence and ensure fundraising-focused staff and others acknowledge donors in an appropriate and timely manner
• Provide event support for donor-related events to demonstrate the importance and impact of their giving
• Assist others at Olin responsible for fundraising to develop, track and report on individualized strategy for donors, including timely correspondence based on donor preference, follow-up on action items from donor-focused meetings.

Administrative, 25% of time

• Write, edit and review donor communications, including electronic and printed materials
• Ensure donor records are kept up to date in CMS system (currently JX)
• Board support for 3x year board meetings including taking and distributing minutes, administrative support for Board meetings and committee reports. 
• Scheduling and other support for VP of Marketing and Communication
• Facilitate special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and 3+ years of stewardship experience or administrative and communications experience in higher education, non-profit or similar mission-driven organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to stewardship and development
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Considerable knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint required
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with all levels of constituents while operating in a fast-paced, donor-centric environment
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Desire to work in an environment which prizes innovative thinking and independence.
• Ability to set priorities, handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and display mature judgment while operating in a flexible and professional manner

Olin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please complete this Interest in Position Form and include:

• A current CV or resume, including contact information for three (3) references.
• An Olin-specific cover letter. Tell us why you are excited to join Olin and how your experience might contribute to the vibrancy of Olin’s community.
• A description of your professional work or a portfolio (if applicable). Must submit writing sample with application

At Olin College we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about a role and have relevant experience, but your work history doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.

We especially welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities. Olin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In accordance with its own values and with federal and state regulations, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering does not discriminate in admission, programs, services or employment—including the recruitment, hiring, training and promotion of persons in all job classifications—on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

https://www.olin.edu/about/employment-opportunities