External Affairs Writer

** This is a NEW position to support the External Affairs team and our goals of the Strategic Plan. It is a hybrid position based at our administrative office in Countryside. **

SUMMARY

The External Affairs Writer is an integral member of the External Affairs Team and supports the VP of Marketing in implementing and driving PCH’s overall External Affairs communications plan, including marketing, community partnerships, philanthropy, and grant writing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Content Creation: Develop and disseminate engaging and informative content for blogs, newsletters, and other external communications that reflect Pillars Community Health’s mission and goals. Evaluates analytics to adjust content as needed.
• Fundraising Letters: Write persuasive fundraising letters to inspire donations and support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Grant Proposals: Collaborate with the grant writing team to develop well-researched and impactful grant proposals that align with funding opportunities and organizational needs.
• Speech Writing: Craft compelling speeches for executives and board members for various events, including fundraising galas, community outreach programs, and public appearances.
• Storytelling: Interview clients, patients, and survivors through a trauma-informed lens, and create compelling stories in various formats, including written articles, videos, and podcasts, to effectively showcase the impact of our services and programs.
• Research: Conduct thorough research on relevant topics, trends, and best practices in philanthropy, healthcare, and social services to inform and enhance writing projects.
• Photography: Capture high-quality photos at events, in the community, and within organizational settings to visually document and support content creation efforts.
• Graphic Design: Create basic graphics and visual materials for social media, newsletters, and other marketing channels, ensuring brand consistency.
• Editing and Proofreading: Review and edit content for accuracy, clarity, and consistency, ensuring all materials meet high-quality standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, philanthropy, grants, and program teams to align messaging and ensure cohesive communication strategies.
• Brand Voice: Maintain and develop the organization’s voice and tone across all external communications.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the organization’s marketing and communication goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or other related fields that would have provided coursework requiring structured written communication.  Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

At least 2 years of experience in marketing, content creation, or philanthropic writing. At least 1-3 years of grant writing experience required (or similar writing experience such as research or healthcare related communications).  Experience in both private foundation and government grant application processes a plus. Experience with Donor Perfect and Microsoft Project is preferred.

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates excellent writing and editing skills to articulate program descriptions, details, outcomes, and community impact to varied audiences.
• Proven content writing and demonstrates excellence in working with web content management systems, social media tools, and email marketing systems.
• Interest in collaborating with staff throughout the organization to accurately portray programs and make a compelling case for support.
• Ability to think strategically, set priorities and organize concurrent projects.
• Operate within a degree of independent judgment and assume responsibility for reliable follow through.
• Mission mindedness, possessing a natural philanthropic “heart.”
• Excellent oral communication skills to interact with funders, team members, and program staff throughout the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and willingness to learn new tasks.
• Computer proficiency in internet, email, and Microsoft Office, electronic donor database
• Possess a high level of cultural humility and values diversity with the ability to work successfully with persons of all faiths, cultures, genders, and socio-economic classes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.