Department: University Advancement
Appointment Type and Duration: Interim (OA), Limited
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0
Hybrid eligible
July 19, 2026; position open until filled
This is a benefits-eligible position with initial interim appointment for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to two additional years.
To be considered for this interim appointment, applicants must submit a resume that addresses how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications.
Your resume should include relevant education and a detailed employment history.
We are interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification—use your resume to share what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
If you have questions about the application process or the position, please reach out to [email protected].
University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and furthers its aims. The division consists of approximately 200 employees primarily working out of Eugene, with offices in Portland and Bend. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.
The Senior Proposal Writer role is an interim position focused exclusively on producing high-level donor proposals (targeting gifts of $1M or $5M and above) and white papers that articulate transformational giving opportunities aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign.
In compliance with brand standards set by University Communications and the comprehensive campaign, you will leverage your expertise to craft compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content that drive principal gift support for the University of Oregon. Your primary responsibilities will center on preparing persuasive fundraising and institutional development materials for a sophisticated audience, including institutional prospects, major donors, and UO leadership.
This position demands close collaboration with executive leadership, development officers/relationship managers, and academic partners to clearly and compellingly convey the university’s highest fundraising priorities and campaign initiatives. You must be adept at project management and translating complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspire substantial philanthropic investment.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced proficiency in narrative storytelling for personalized, high-stakes donor communications, as well as the ability to produce highly technical writing for white papers and campaign materials. Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate a fast-paced, multifaceted workload are essential, as is the capacity to move seamlessly between projects and audiences.
Key competencies include strategic thinking, exceptional persuasive writing, deep familiarity with the university’s mission, values, strategic plan, Oregon Rising, and the comprehensive campaign, as well as a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. You will also be responsible for ensuring diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout all materials.
The Senior Proposal Writer is a vital member of the campaign team and reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement Strategies and Campaign Director. The position can offer a hybrid work arrangement based in Eugene, with occasional evening and weekend work required.
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
- 8 years’ experience in a journalism, programmatic research/writing, development, or public relations field.
- Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants from foundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Highly detail-oriented and organized with superior research and editing skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
- Ability to plan for and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
- Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style; fluency and writing journalistic, marketing, and fundraising styles across multimedia.
- Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donor relationships and sensitive data.
- Expert knowledge of fundraising best practices related to written proposals and case statements.
- Ability to craft messages for segments and audience, especially at donor centered approach to writing, producing fundraising appeals that secure gifts.
- Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including writing and producing gift proposals, fundraising appeals, white papers, case statements gift announcements, targeted collateral, and other materials designed to support and enhance the work of frontline fundraisers.
- Experience managing projects that serve both donor stewardship and communications objectives.
- Fundraising communications experience in a higher education setting.
- Master’s degree in journalism, English, or a closely related field.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
