Item 3.F-September 13, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name
OR New/Vacant:
Vacant
CURRENT POSITION INFORMATION
Pos
#(s):
0
17113
Range /
Class.:
1
2
Current Title:
Assistant Writer (DAR) (Chg Title)
JCC
67024
Writer (DAR) ( to R3-Sr Writer) (Chg Title) 67025 Roseanne Keegan
New 0 3 Senior Writer (DAR)
Department: Development and Alumni Relations College/Division: President’s Office
Account #(s): 1201-103-004
Action Proposed: ( check all that apply )
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
(X) Line of Progression (show titles below) TITLE CHANGES JCC: EEO:
Writer I (DAR)
Writer II (DAR)
0
17113
1
2
67448
67449
3C
3C
Senior Writer (DAR) 0 3 67444 3C
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Keiko Weil
__________________
Date
Director, Donor Relations
____________________________________________________________ __________________
Director/Chair/Dean Bruce Mack
Associate Vice president, Development & Alumni Relations
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature John Carothers
__________________
Date
Vice President, Development & Alumni Relations
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Effective Date: Approved Title: See Above
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Donor Relations department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is responsible for supporting the development and fundraising campaign efforts of the University of Nevada, Reno. The
Writer positions support the University’s philanthropic goals by creating compelling communications to aid in the cultivation, education, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
Range 1 – Writer I:
The Assistant Writer reports to the Director of Donor Relations and writes donor acknowledgements, stories and articles about donors and gifts, and assists with general reporting information. The
Assistant Writer proofs stewardship materials, does research pertinent to writing assignments, assists with reporting to donors and supports development activities.
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):
The Writer reports to the Director and develops story ideas, fresh and innovative copy and information for development and stewardship correspondence and reports. The Writer works closely with DAR staff and administrators to produce stewardship and development materials. The position contributes to the development of policies and procedures of the department and with the review of information and work produced in the division.
Range 3
– Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):
The Senior Writer repor ts to the Director and provides editorial management for the University’s alumni magazine, Nevada Silver & Blue and its social media sites, DAR Briefs weekly e-newsletter,
DAR giving website and other development publications, including the creation and editing of copy and managing editorial content from contributors for print and online publication.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
Range 1 – Writer I:
65% - Writing

Stewardship: Research, write and edit assigned stories and articles of particular interest about donors and specific gifts to the University and Foundation for internal and/or external publications including the University’s alumni magazine, Nevada Silver & Blue , DAR Briefs weekly e-newsletter, the DAR giving website, Legacy Society newsletter , printed newsletter(s) and other collateral materials including brochures, and other electronic newsletter(s)

Acknowledgements: Produce timely donor-related correspondence for the purpose of acknowledging gifts and recognizing donors, including IRS gift substantiation acknowledgements, quarterly gift acknowledgement templates and annual payroll deduction acknowledgements; produce condolence and congratulatory correspondence for President and Vice President

Reporting: Assist in producing annual reports to endowment donors, and assist in producing individual stewardship reports and capital project updates to recognize and acknowledge gifts

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression Page 3
20% - Additional Duties

Assist with other writing and editing assignments including donor communications and articles generated by development staff for stewardship, acknowledgement and reporting purposes

Assist in maintaining content and style of the development website to keep the site accurate, current, user-friendly, appealing and informative
15% - Donor Relations

Assist Director to monitor and assess performance, build relationships, develop and maintain systems, procedures and policies, and provide support for development activities

Stay abreast of industry developments, including stewardship best practices, and incorporate ideas and changes as warranted

Contribute donor information to the database through changes, links, notes and actions
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):
60% - Writing

Stewardship: Develop story ideas for the magazine and newsletter(s), perform more extensive research, interview donors and others for articles, news releases and other development materials

Acknowledgements: Generate creative and fresh verbiage for personalized acknowledgements

Reporting: Develop clear and understandable information about the use of funds for a variety of reporting purposes, demonstrate the University’s gratitude and inform donors about the use of their gifts in such a way that reinforces donor commitment and encourages future giving; assist with report information for the Foundation board

Development: Develop and write copy and materials for division activities including development event remarks, presentations, and collateral materials; develop and write resource materials for division including templates and samples
25% - Editing

Draft assigned specific and non-complex communication pieces with limited supervision

Work with development officers on assigned stewardship and development materials

Perform initial editing and proofing of donor communications generated by development staff for stewardship, acknowledgement, recognition and reporting purposes
15% - Donor Relations

Stay abreast of industry developments, including stewardship best practices, and incorporate ideas and changes as warranted

Maintain editorial schedule for DAR Briefs e-newsletter and index stories for Nevada Silver &
Blue

Establish relationship with constituents
Range 3 – Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):
85% - Editorial Management/Writing
 In consultation with the Director and division’s Vice President and DAR staff, conceptualizes and implements editorial plans and strategies

Manages online and print editorial content and provides layout, design and production assistance for Nevada Silver & Blue magazine, DAR Briefs e-newsletter, giving website and other publications and materials produced by DAR

Writes/edits features and philanthropy articles, edits/collaborates with contributors, interviews donors, alumni, students, faculty and friends for articles, manages photography and artwork for online and print publication, manages the social media profile for Nevada Silver & Blue

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression Page 4

Adheres to strict deadlines; seeks 100% accuracy of information; monitors adherence to style and graphic standards; assists in monitoring publication effectiveness
15% - Donor Relations

Cultivates relationships with prospective donors, donors, faculty, alumni and friends

Assists in building constituent profiles and contributes to donor cultivation and solicitation
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Range 1 – Writer I:
Incumbent works with direct supervision. Incumbent works in consultation with the Director and completes specific but multiple tasks with specific administrative guidance concerning priorities and procedures to be used.
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):
Incumbent must work independently under limited supervision and with some latitude for initiative.
Incumbent completes a variety of difficult but usually fairly well defined and related problems by applying precedent, policies and procedures. Absent other forms of guidance, decisions are made in consultation with the Director.
Range 3 – Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):
Incumbent must work independently within the framework of the project with minimal supervision and with latitude for initiative and freedom to be creative. Incumbent is responsible for specific and specialized projects with extended, multiple and overlapping work assignments and strict deadlines.
More complex issues are resolved with guidance from the Director and/or the Vice President of the division.
Impact:
Range 1 – Writer I:
It is imperative that the work product of this position be accurate and of high quality, as poor quality of work product would be detrimental to the achievement of development and stewardship goals and reflect poorly on the Vice President, President and others. Inadequate performance may result in delays of required gift acknowledgements and/or reporting requirements to donors.
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):
Inadequate performance has a detrimental effect on the achievement of objectives related to development and stewardship goals.
Range 3 – Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):
The incumbent must deal directly with donors, trustees, alumni and other prominent citizens while interviewing, writing, and editing copy. This requires excellent tact, diplomacy and judgment.
Inadequate performance has a detrimental effect on the public perception of the university and the ability to raise charitable funds.

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression Page 5
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
Range 1 – Writer I:

Computer hardware and software capabilities and information management, including databases and general research practices

Grammar and formatting of English language sentence structure for communication in documents, i.e. letters, memoranda, media announcements
 Standard writing style guides

Donor substantiation requirements for gift acknowledgements
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):

Proofing and editing standards

Workings of a development operation and higher education fundraising
Range 3
– Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):

Editing for print and online, including Associated Press style guidelines.

Publication production cycle

Legal, ethical considerations regarding content, photography, donor and student privacy, etc.

Public relations, marketing, advertising and social media
Skills:
Range 1 – Writer I:

Interpersonal and public relations and customer service skills, including the ability to interact effectively with coworkers, students, volunteers, administrators, alumni and donors

Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email)

Strong written communications skills evidenced by a background in preparing correspondence, stories, publications and reports

Attention to detail

High level of initiative, creativity and collaboration
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):

Exemplary written communications skills evidenced by a background in preparing correspondence, stories, publications and reports

Strong organizational skills evidenced by the ability to set priorities and manage a variety of projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines

Interpretation and analyses of a wide variety of research information and resources

High degree of attention to detail
Range 3 – Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):

Exemplary interview, written and oral communications

Critical thinking and ability to analyze problems and opportunities

Strong copy editing and proofing

Graphic standards and graphic design

Website and social media content and administration

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression Page 6
Ability to:
Range 1 – Writer I:

Produce a high volume of work product

Set and achieve goals and work within strict deadlines

Understand the University mission, vision, values and effectively communicate to the public

Apply established rules and procedures and make decisions that affect quality, accuracy, or effectiveness of results

Strictly adhere to the highest professional ethics, confidentiality, discretion and judgment due to the sensitivity of information and data

Act with tact and sensitivity
Range 2 – Writer II (in addition to Range 1 above):

Work effectively with a large and diverse staff, alumni, and donors, and potential donors

Glean information from a wide variety of sources and interpret gift information, relationships, and appropriate “voice”

Research issues/situations, develop and provide solutions, make appropriate decisions, and implement solutions; bring concerns to management
Range 3 – Senior Writer (in addition to Range 1 and 2 above):

Manage, prioritize and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner to meet deadlines while maintaining focus on organizational goals

Write and edit compelling feature stories; assist in conceptualizing and developing themes for each magazine issue; generate persuasive donor stories

Forecast communication opportunities and anticipate emerging issues

Leverage content across electronic and print communication channels to diverse and multiple audiences

Show initiative and good judgment
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Range 1 – Writer I
Co-workers
Reason for Contact
To exchange ideas and information, provide training, impart
University administrators
Range 2
– Writer II
All levels of UNR personnel knowledge
To resolve problems, provide information and clarify issues
Same as Range 1, plus:
To produce correspondence from vice presidents and the
President
To facilitate and coordinate stewardship efforts College-based development directors
Range 3 – Senior Writer
Same as Range 2 above
External
Range 1 – Writer I
Reason for Contact
Vendors To resolve problems, place orders and negotiate
Alumni, students and volunteers To resolve problems, provide information, provide direction, assign and schedule tasks

Position Description – Donor Relations Writers – Line of Progression
Donors, potential donors, business and community leaders
Page 7
To provide and/or gather information, resolve problems, provide gift stewardship information
Range 2 – Writer II
Alumni, donors, potential donors,
(In addition to R1 above)
To interview for written communication pieces, clarify information.
Business and community leaders
Donors, potential donors, business and community leaders
Range 3 – Senior Writer
To gather in-depth information about specific gift and/or donor background for articles, gift agreement, or reporting information.
Alumni, donors, potential donors, business and community leaders
University administrators
(In addition to R2 above)
To foster relationships for cultivation and development purposes
To conceptualize and develop editorial plans and content
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent. a. Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Range 1 –Writer I:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
Range 2
– Writer II:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
Range 3 – Senior Writer:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b. Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required education necessary for a person entering this position.
Range 1 – Writer I:
Bachelor’s Degree and one year of experience of comparable professional experience or a Master’s Degree
Range 2 – Writer II:
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience or a Master’s Degree and one year of comparable professional experience
Range 3 – Senior Writer:
Bachelor’s Degree and four years of experience or a Master’s Degree and two years of comparable professional experience
Ranges 1-3:
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None c. Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Ranges 1-3:
None