Development Writer

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.  

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections.  We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.

The Development Writer is responsible for writing and editing donor materials that are informed, accurate, and consistent with the Earthjustice brand. These materials support the organization’s ambitious fundraising goals and play a critical role in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all Earthjustice supporters. The person in this position works closely with program leadership, attorneys, Communications and Marketing staff, and the entire Development team to provide critical writing support to the Foundation Relations and Donor Marketing and Engagement (DME) teams by crafting donor reports, proposals, program updates, cover letters, and other written materials. This position will serve a vital role in the department in supporting fundraisers in securing funding for the ambitious Never Rest campaign goal of raising $825 million over five years. 

Responsibilities:

Writing, Editing, and Research (70%) 

• Provide writing, editing, and proofreading support to the Foundation Relations and Donor Marketing and Engagement teams. Manage a heavy volume of writing and editing assignments on a variety of topics and under tight deadlines. 
• Work with foundation officers, major gifts officers, and program staff to develop and submit the highest quality letters of inquiry, grant or major gift proposals, program and grant reports, stewardship updates, concept papers, talking points, and fact sheets. 
• Coordinate with the Communications department on content strategy to share information, collaborate on cross-departmental initiatives, and ensure consistency of organizational messaging and materials. 
• Research and review material prepared by frontline Development staff, Foundation Officers, Earthjustice attorneys, and Communications and Marketing staff to develop and produce creative, compelling written content. 
• Collaborate with the graphic design team to produce attractive and appropriate designed collateral. 
• Monitor and meet grant proposal and reporting deadlines. 

Program Knowledge and Communication (15%) 

• Become fluent in the work of Earthjustice regional offices, programs, and campaigns; develop a working knowledge of Earthjustice’s key past accomplishments and history. 
• Track the status of legal cases and programs through program staff briefings and program area email lists, interviewing program staff, and monitoring website updates and press releases. 
• Track daily environmental news reports and keep updated information on a wide array of environmental issues.  

General Responsibilities (15%) 

• Maintain current and accurate documentation of all written content. 
• Attend departmental and organizational retreats for shared planning, team building, and professional development. 
• Participate in organization-wide initiatives and trainings that contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. 
• Utilize internal and external resources to support a personal and professional development journey that increases awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 
• Identify and participate in professional development opportunities (e.g. conferences, webinars, seminars, etc.) to enhance fundraising and communications skills and techniques, and stay abreast of new and emerging trends and tools. 
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years successful experience as a writer/editor.  
• Journalistic, fundraising, environmental, and/or scientific background preferred. 
• Knowledge of foundations that emphasize environmental giving a plus. 
• Experience writing for a high-volume nonprofit development department a plus. 
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to distill complex legal text and translate it into simple and compelling messaging. 
• Ability to develop and produce successful proposals, reports, and other materials creatively. 
• Ability to prioritize work and perform effectively under the pressure of multiple deadlines. 
• Exceptional ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of people across the organization. 
• Ability to work constructively as a member of a team. 
• Interest and/or background in environmental and public health issues. 
• Ability to use spreadsheets and relational database systems. 
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 
• Interest in contributing to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.   

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer an extremely supportive and congenial work environment and a casual dress code.  

Salary range is based on experience and location. 
Salary range in San Francisco, CA: $79,400 - $88,200
Salary range for remote locations will vary. 

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following via Jobvite: 

• Resume.
• Cover letter stating your interest or experience in writing and the environment.
• Writing Sample.

Click here to apply: https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=oa3mffwy&s=ClimateBase

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles:We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.