POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal, Donor Communications is a senior-level communications professional and strategic leader responsible for developing high-impact, donor-aligned proposals that drive mid and major gift revenue. This role requires a disciplined writer with strong strategic instincts and experience—capable of synthesizing complex programmatic priorities and donor interests into clear, compelling, and personalized funding proposals.
Working in close collaboration with internal stakeholders across program, development, and finance teams, the Director, Donor Communications and Strategy will manage the creation of a scalable and adaptable family of proposals, reports, and cultivation of communications aligned with American Bible Society’s strategic priorities. This individual will also serve as the central architect of the organization’s donor stewardship content approach, ensuring message clarity, thematic alignment, and long-term donor resonance.
The Principal, Donor Communications will play a critical role in strengthening American Bible Society’s philanthropic communications infrastructure, enabling increased revenue through high-quality, donor-centric proposals, reports, and cultivation communications. This role is central to building long-term, trust-based relationships with mid and major donors by clearly articulating the impact and opportunity inherent in ABS’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, English, Journalism, Non-Profit Management, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in professional proposal writing, development communications, or a related field with a strong donor communications focus.
• Demonstrated excellence in persuasive writing and editorial precision, with an ability to adapt content across a range of donor profiles and giving levels.
• Proven capacity to synthesize technical or abstract program content into accessible and compelling narratives.
• Experience collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams and translating strategy into clear written deliverables.
• Deep familiarity with the principles of major donor engagement, funding case development, and philanthropic relationship-building.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with a focus on quality, clarity, and timely delivery.
• Prior experience managing freelance writers, designers, or other creative professionals is strongly preferred.
• Alignment with the mission and values of American Bible Society.

Communication Skills:

• Complex Communication: Proficient in communicating complex ideas to various stakeholders, both verbally and in writing

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create complete, targeted, tailored, and compelling fundraising proposals, stewardship reports, and customized donor cultivation communications and collateral that reflect ministry and fundraising priorities and inspire partners to give generously to our mission.
• Proactively lead and manage cross-functional collaboration with ministry and development leaders to understand and translate mission-critical information, including ministry objectives, outcomes, and funding structures.
• Partner with major gift officers and other development staff to align donor stewardship and proposal content with individually tailored donor strategies, affinities, engagement stage, and capacity.
• Develop and manage a cohesive proposal framework that supports core ministry program areas while enabling donor-specific customization.
• Ensure consistency in voice, structure, and messaging across all proposals and donor-facing materials.
• Engage with finance as needed to ensure budget clarity and alignment in proposal framing.
• Supervise freelance writers and creative vendors when additional capacity is required, maintaining oversight on quality and strategic alignment.
• Serve as the primary authority and expert on donor communications within the marketing team and work collaboratively to build shared knowledge, skills, experience, and philosophy around donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Monitor trends in donor communications, philanthropic engagement, and sector-specific funding expectations to inform ongoing proposal development and ensure our content remains best-in-class.

ALL STAFF MUST DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AT A LEVEL FITTING THEIR ROLE:

Communication Skills:

• Complex Communication: Proficient in communicating complex ideas to various stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Collaborative Effort: Works well with others, shares information, and contributes to team goals.

Cultural Competence and Inclusion:

• Cultural Awareness: Respects and values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Service Orientation:

• Service Strategy: Develops service-centric strategies, drives service recipient satisfaction, and ensures organizational alignment with service expectations.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Responsive Adjustment: Adjusts strategies based on new information, remains flexible in dynamic environments.

Time Management and Organization:

• Efficient Coordination: Prioritizes tasks, manages multiple projects, and ensures team deadlines are met.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

• Analytical Problem Solving: Analyzes complex problems, develops solutions, and makes decisions independently.

Leadership and Initiative:

• Initiative: Takes proactive steps to complete tasks, solve problems and take on new challenges.

List Additional job-specific skills

ALL PEOPLE MANAGERS MUST DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AT A LEVEL FITTING THEIR ROLE:

Strategic Thinking and Decision Making:

• Strategic Alignment: Develops plans that align with team objectives and organizational goals.

Continuous Learning and Development:

• Self-Development: Seeks out opportunities to learn and grow own skills, while sharing development opportunities with others.

Innovation and Creativity:

• Creative Thinking: Suggests new ideas and approaches to tasks.