Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Writer

🔹 Company: KU Endowment

🔹 Location: Lawrence, Kansas, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Fundraising, Nonprofit

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Crafting compelling content that celebrates philanthropy's impact on the University of Kansas
• Serving as a beat writer for assigned academic units
• Collaborating with university partners to identify story opportunities and develop engaging narratives
• Working closely with designers, video producers, and other storytellers to bring content to life in multiformat campaigns
• Contributing to flagship publications and outreach materials

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance between creative storytelling and strategic planning to align content with fundraising goals and campaign needs.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write original stories that celebrate donors, students, faculty, and research initiatives, with an emphasis on emotion, authenticity, and impact

✅ Contribute to flagship publications and outreach materials

✅ Translate complex information into accessible, inspiring narratives tailored to key audiences

✅ Serve as a beat writer for designated schools and departments at KU, staying informed on initiatives, events, and donor engagement opportunities

✅ Develop story pipelines in collaboration with internal partners to align content with fundraising goals and campaign needs

✅ Provide editorial support for major gift proposals, stewardship reports, giving opportunities, and impact pieces

✅ Assist in writing and editing materials for KU Endowment campaigns, donor communications, websites, and social media

✅ Offer peer editing support for other writers to maintain tone, clarity, and consistency across platforms

✅ Work closely with designers, video producers, and other storytellers to bring content to life in multiformat campaigns

✅ Participate in editorial planning sessions to align storytelling efforts with organizational priorities

✅ Build relationships with fundraisers and university communicators to help surface the most compelling stories across campus

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of independent work and collaboration, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to succeed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of relevant writing, reporting, or editorial experience

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio of published feature stories, donor profiles, or editorial content
• Excellent interviewing, writing, and editing skills
• Proficiency in AP style and editorial best practices
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Comfort working in a deadline-driven, team-oriented environment
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in fundraising or nonprofit communications
• Familiarity with higher education or academic environments

ASSUMPTION: A strong portfolio showcasing published work is essential for evaluating writing skill, tone, and style.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,200 - $85,000 (Estimated based on industry standards for a Writer with 5-10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector)

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Fundraising, Nonprofit

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1891

Company Description:

• KU Endowment is the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas
• Partners with donors to provide philanthropic support for the university
• Committed to following the highest standards of service and ethical conduct when managing donors’ gifts

Company Specialties:

• Fundraising and philanthropic support
• Higher education and academic environments
• Nonprofit communications and storytelling

Company Website: http://www.kuendowment.org

ASSUMPTION: KU Endowment's mission and values are centered around supporting the University of Kansas through philanthropy, making this an ideal fit for candidates passionate about higher education and giving back.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior writer or editor

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Content Director

Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional light travel required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the communications team
• Opportunities to work on high-impact campaigns and projects
• Chance to develop skills in fundraising, nonprofit communications, or higher education environments

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader nonprofit sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment with standard office productivity machinery

Office Location(s): 1891 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047, US; 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, US; 2100 W. 36th Ave., Kansas City, KS 66160, US

Geographic Context:

• Lawrence, Kansas, is a college town with a population of approximately 95,000
• Home to the University of Kansas, offering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment
• Close proximity to Kansas City, providing access to urban amenities and cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional and collaborative, with a strong focus on storytelling, creativity, and strategic communications.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Sr. Human Resources Associate
• In-person or virtual interview with the Content Director and other team members
• Final interview with the Vice President of Brand Communications
• Background and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing, interviewing, and editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Interpersonal communication skills and teamwork
• Alignment with KU Endowment's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Include a strong portfolio of published feature stories, donor profiles, or editorial content
• Be prepared to discuss your writing process, story ideas, and how you approach interviews
• Research KU Endowment and the University of Kansas to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission

ATS Keywords: Storytelling, interviewing, writing, editing, communications, fundraising, nonprofit, higher education, AP style, editorial best practices, project management, collaboration, strategic thinking, creativity, clarity, audience awareness

ASSUMPTION: KU Endowment uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being seen by the hiring team.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software such as Salesforce or Bloomerang
• Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role, as the Writer will be expected to manage multiple projects and collaborate with various teams.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals
• Curiosity: Seeking out new ideas and perspectives
• Empowerment: Encouraging and supporting individual growth and decision-making
• Excellence: Pursuing high standards and continuous improvement

Work Style:

• Creative and strategic storytelling
• Collaborative and team-oriented environment
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven
• Focus on quality and attention to detail

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with KU Endowment's core values?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines?
• How do you approach balancing creative storytelling with strategic communications and fundraising goals?

ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit with KU Endowment's values and work style is essential for success in this role, as the Writer will be expected to collaborate closely with various teams and stakeholders.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing creative storytelling with strategic communications and fundraising goals
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including donors, faculty, students, and university partners
• Occasional light travel required for donor meetings, networking events, or work-related activities

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Writer or Editor roles, this position offers a unique focus on fundraising and nonprofit communications within the higher education sector
• Industry-specific context and expertise in higher education or academic environments are valuable assets for this role
• Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior communications or fundraising positions within the nonprofit sector

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its industry context can help candidates tailor their application and prepare for the interview process.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a series of donor profiles highlighting the impact of philanthropy on the University of Kansas
• Creating a comprehensive fundraising campaign toolkit, including talking points, messaging frameworks, and sample content for various channels
• Editing and designing a quarterly magazine featuring stories, interviews, and updates on KU Endowment's initiatives and impact

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of creativity, strategy, and collaboration required for success in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Brand Communications department?
• How does this role fit into the broader fundraising and communications strategy for KU Endowment and the University of Kansas?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the Writer in this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader nonprofit sector?
• How does KU Endowment support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's mission and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through KU Endowment's careers page
• Prepare a tailored resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experiences
• Include a strong portfolio of published feature stories, donor profiles, or editorial content, showcasing your writing, interviewing, and editing skills
• Follow up with the Sr. Human Resources Associate, Emily Garcia, within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
• Prepare for phone or video screening, in-person or virtual interviews, and final interviews by researching KU Endowment, the University of Kansas, and the role's requirements

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.