Copywriter Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

How You'll Contribute

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government and corporate partners who invest in the National Geographic Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates with Society teams - and often works closely with NGP/Disney - to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society's power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Donor & Partner Relations, the Specialist, Donor & Partner Relations will provide copywriting, design, operational, and project coordination support across Campaign Engagement & Stewardship. This role supports the production of donorfacing materials and communication on behalf of Society leadership, and partners closely with the Project Manager to support workflow and project tracking for the Campaign Engagement & Stewardship team in Monday.com.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Donor-Facing Communications & Creative Deliverables Support (60%)

• Provides copywriting and design support for Advancement materials including proposals, meeting and event decks, and newsletters (applying approved templates and brand standards) under the direction of the Director and Manager, Advancement Communications.

• Support ad hoc Advancement and campaign communications, including internal and external updates on behalf of the Chief Advancement Officer, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with approved messaging and design standards.

• Assist with formatting, proofreading, and quality control of Advancement materials to ensure consistency, brand alignment, and readiness for donor and partner audiences.

Campaign Engagement & Stewardship Operations & Impact Reporting (20%)

• Serve as the point of contact for data collection related to donor stewardship, partner deliverables, and impact reporting.

• Coordinate with Advancement Operations, program teams, and communications leads to gather, organize, and validate data and narratives used in donor reports, proposals, and stewardship materials.

• Support the preparation of impact and progress reporting content, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy across donorfacing communications.

Project Coordination & Workflow Management (20%)

• Partner with the Project Manager to support project tracking, task coordination, and workflow management in Monday.com, including updating timelines, deliverables, and status reports.

• Assist in maintaining shared project documentation, intake materials, and workflow resources to support efficient collaboration across Campaign Engagement & Stewardship, Donor & Partner Relations, and Advancement Communications.

• Support crossteam coordination by ensuring materials, inputs, and approvals move efficiently through established processes and timelines.

What You'll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

3+ years professional work experience; past Development experience preferred.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills required

• Commitment to the mission of NGS - must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors, staff and volunteers.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through as demonstrated through effective donor stewardship and project management experience.

• Skilled at collaborating across multiple departments in a complex organization.

• Demonstrated ability to write effectively for business communication, fundraising, and donor communication purposes.

• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality required.

• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and work with minimum of instruction and supervision when necessary.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work as a team player and willingness to learn new skills to help advance NGS' fundraising efforts.

• Strong writing and editing skills.

• Strong personal and professional integrity.

• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge strongly preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

Supervision

No direct reports.

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $61,750.00 - $65,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.