Development Communications Specialist

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. We are seeking an experienced individual to join our team to coordinate Development-centric communication projects in the Development department. To be successful in this position, the candidate will need to be an experienced project coordinator, writer/editor, and enjoy collaborating with colleagues within the department and across the institution. You’ll be part of a great team working together to make the Arboretum exceptional.

Position Summary: Responsible for the development, execution, and coordination of donor communication projects in support of the Arboretum’s donor relations program. Through exceptional communication planning and implementation, serve as a critical part of the Development department, supporting efforts to achieve fundraising goals, cultivate and steward donors, and advance a culture of philanthropy across the Arboretum.

Essential Functions:

• Craft philanthropic messages to key audiences in innovative, creative, consistent, and compelling ways to inspire interest in, knowledge of, and love for trees, science, and nature; attract donors and engage them with the Arboretum experience; and encourage philanthropy to support the Arboretum’s mission.

• Act as a critical liaison between Development and the Marketing & Communications teams ensuring strong collaboration and efficient, successful project outcomes.

• Lead project coordination for donor communication projects including newsletters, emails, invitations, signage, program books, webpages, and videos. Responsibilities include creative strategy development, copywriting, editing, maintaining project schedules, collaborating with partner departments, and budget management.  

• Collaborate with respective directors and Major Gift Officers in the content creation for individual principal and major gift proposals, stewardship reports, and acknowledgement letters, informing donors and prospects about their philanthropic impact and program outcomes as a means of cultivation and stewardship. 

• Collaborate with the Director of Campaigns and Stewardship and other team members in the development and budgeting of the annual comprehensive donor relations program strategy.  

• Establish an effective relationship with Arboretum program leaders and staff experts. Connect with Arboretum scientists, researchers, and horticulturists to stay informed on scientific work and results. 

• Provide timely analysis of results from each project and develop recommendations for future projects.

• Provide support for and attend Arboretum events, as needed.

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English or related field required. 4+ years of experience in writing, including pieces related to philanthropy and, preferably, science, the natural environment, or conservation. Must demonstrate a keen understanding of how effective communications ensure philanthropic engagement, and how a consistent voice builds trust and reinforces brand positioning and personality. Proven track record of successful project management required and comfort working with donors/members, subject matter experts, executives, and volunteer leadership required. Extremely strong writing, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required to meet expeditious, varied, and simultaneous deadlines. Intermediate proficiency with Google applications required. 

Success Factors: Strong interest in the mission of the Arboretum and a keen understanding of the importance of philanthropic support to the success of non-profit organizations. Ability to develop and maintain broad knowledge and understanding of the department and organization's programs, operations and policies, and to interact effectively with individuals internally and externally at all levels.  Extremely accurate, detail-oriented, and polished written, verbal, and oral communicator. Curiosity about new communication channels and opportunities, as well as the social trends that inform them. Commitment to increasing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through the stories we tell. Ability to balance creative and strategic thinking, and sustain complex collaborations. Ability to successfully navigate a deadline-driven environment and work both independently and collaboratively. Ability to use sound judgment and appropriate flexibility in making decisions that reflect a culture of philanthropy dedicated to serving donor and institutional needs. Positive, friendly, responsive, and flexible. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

• Physical Demands: Requires limited physical activity and the ability to travel around the Arboretum grounds.

• Work Environment: Office environment. Work is performed primarily indoors, but some work will take place outdoors. 

• Equipment: General office equipment, Arboretum golf cart. 

• Schedule: Position will, infrequently, require work on evenings and weekends.  

The expected hiring range is between $28.50 - $33.00/hour based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process, along with internal equity.  This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with application.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.