Washington, DC--Speechwriter

Job Title Speechwriter
Job Contact Email resumes@independentsector.org
Employer Independent Sector
Posted 02/24/09
Job Description

Independent Sector (IS) is the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. The mission of Independent Sector is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the charitable community. The nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 organizations leads, strengthens, and mobilizes the charitable community in order to fulfill our vision of a just and inclusive society and a healthy democracy of active citizens, effective institutions, and vibrant communities. Independent Sector serves as the premier meeting ground for the leaders of America's charitable and philanthropic sector.

Job Overview: Prepare speeches, opinion pieces, articles, correspondence, talking points, and other communications for the President and CEO. Write and edit articles for monthly member newsletter, annual report, and other organizational communications. Interact with other departments, IS members and others to conduct background research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
# Speeches: Research audience and topic. Work closely with the communications team and experts in other departments to plan key messages. Draft speeches and talking points, and manage approval process and edit to finalization. Prepare background material on the topic and event. Prepare PowerPoint presentations or handouts as necessary. Staff local speaking engagements.
# Newsletter Column: Write president¡œs column in the organization¡œs monthly newsletter
# Correspondence: Draft correspondence, including responses to letters and emails.
# Articles/Newsletter: Write member messages, newsletter articles, and website copy.
# Board of Directors Meetings: Provide some level of staff support to IS Board of Directors and its committees, including preparing materials such as quarterly narrative on organizational achievements, drafting talking points for the IS Board of Directors, and writing meeting summaries.
# IS Annual Conference: Compile, draft, edit, and format scripts for IS president as needed. Prepare materials for the Annual Business Meeting of Members. Write scripts and coordinate production of videos shown at Annual Conference.
# Knowledge Management: Scan general interest media and nonprofit sector publications for issues and information to use in speeches or to share with senior staff and board. Work with Director of Research and communications team to maintain up-to-date statistical information.
# Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:
# Master¡œs degree in English, journalism, public policy, or related field, or equivalent.
# Three to five years experience working in nonprofit, association, political, or related settings preferred.
# Exceptional writing and communication skills.
# Experience in successfully writing speeches for senior executives.
# Research skills to determine historical and current context for topics.
# Ability to adapt messages for specific audiences.
# Ability to turn facts and figures into compelling speeches and persuasive correspondence, including the appropriate incorporation of storytelling and humor.
# Daily attention to the media, a keen student of literature, and a record of writing successfully in a rapidly changing environment.
# Ability to manage deadlines and quickly changing priorities.
# Flexibility and ability to function as part of a fast-paced, dynamic team.
# Exceptional professionalism and ability to interact with IS members, CEOs, funders, and board members.
# Computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

To apply:

Submit letter, resume, work samples, and salary history to: resumes@independentsector.org

Human Resources (Speechwriter)

Please visit http://www.independentsector.org for more details about Independent Sector.