Looking for a purpose-driven role with a dedicated nonprofit team? AFTD is hiring!

Help us lead the fight against young-onset dementia. Dedicated to addressing frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the most common dementia for people under 60, AFTD is a leading global authority on this disease. We are the only national U.S. organization dedicated both to advancing FTD research and providing help and support to improve quality of life for people affected today.

AFTD is mission-driven. Founded by a volunteer in 2002, AFTD raises awareness of this misunderstood disease while supporting people with FTD and their families. We educate healthcare professionals and advance collaborative research. We have a growing staff and a robust national network of thousands of volunteers and individual donors, dedicated to achieving a world with compassionate care, effective support, and a future free of FTD. For all who can benefit from it, we bring information, resources, and opportunities to connect – seeking to change the experience of a devastating disease from one of isolation to one of empowerment and connection.

Bring hope to others. AFTD channels the pioneering spirit of Helen-Ann Comstock, our founder and Board member who saw a world lacking resources to address FTD and chose to take action. As colleagues, we continue Helen-Ann’s work, and we do so with determination, creativity, compassion and resolve. AFTD strives to create a place where team members can learn, grow and support each other. If you have always had a passion to make a positive difference in people’s lives – but are seeking a way to channel that passion – we are assembling the team to do just that. We hope you’ll join us by applying for an essential role!

Join our team. AFTD seeks a driven and talented professional to take on the role of Development Writer. If the idea of bringing information, resources, help, support and hope for a better future to families across the U.S. is compelling – and if you bring a natural talent for writing, organizing and communicating with an assortment of audiences – a role at AFTD could be a great fit for you.  

Visit www.theaftd.org for more information.

The Development Writer is responsible for all development communications, including fundraising appeals, foundation proposals, reports, letters of intent and all other correspondence. S/he will also interview program and senior staff members to obtain necessary information to develop funding proposals, letters of intent and concept papers. Under the direction of the Development Manager, the Development Writer will develop and maintain responsibility for formal writing targeting AFTD major donors and planned giving prospects, as well as all other fundraising and development material for the organization’s website. S/he will also author all thank you letters, refining and expanding templates on an ongoing basis to ensure consistent communication with all AFTD donors.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Job Functions

• Donor and Philanthropy-Focused Content Development: In accordance with AFTD’s branding and style guidelines, as well as any formal style expectations for a particular philanthropic medium, write targeted content for organizational fundraising appeals and other foundation communications via e-blast, mass-mail, individual donor solicitations and a variety of other channels.  Independently translate program plans into letters of intent, concept papers and funding proposals.

Other Job Functions

• Compose templates and custom thank you letters to ensure prompt acknowledgement of all donors.
• Draft formal correspondence and other fundraising-focused materials for CEO, Director of Development and Communications, Development Manager, Communications Manager and other staff as needed.
• Support the refinement of development policies and process guidelines as guided by the Development Manager.
• Assist with in-person corporate/foundation/major donation outreach as requested.
• Research corporate and foundation sources as well as major donor prospects using channels such as Foundation Directory Online and iWave.
• Provide occasional editing support to other team members on related materials.
• Travel for organizational meetings and events as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing or a similar field or equivalent preferred
• Equivalent experience may also be considered
• 3-5 years of professional writing experience
• 1-2 years of fundraising/development writing experience is required, with a preference for a demonstrated focus on health/science/disease-advocacy/. Equivalent experience or a demonstrated aptitude for formal business writing may also be considered
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills are required
• Comfort and expertise with formal business writing is required
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines is required
• Comfort working with mail merges as well as an adaptability to different technologies and platforms is a plus

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AFTD values its staff and all who work with us to advance our mission. We practice trust, cultivate creativity, and incorporate input from all, seeking to grow and learn in service to families at every stage on an FTD journey.

If you are interested in learning more about this excellent career opportunity, please submit your cover letter, a résumé, and a brief writing sample.  Only applications with a cover letter will be considered.