Supervises:                  N/A

Last Updated:              January 2013

Job Summary

The Senior Writer position is responsible for writing a vast array of materials to help Alley Cat Allies pursue its mission of protecting and improving the lives of cats. These materials include educational materials and advocacy tools, news and feature articles, fact sheets, marketing copy and brochures, press releases, op-eds, blog posts, newsletters, and campaign e-communications. This position serves as a resource to the entire organization on language, style and messaging, including the use of scientific literature as it informs the organization’s positions. The Senior Writer works on team-oriented projects and campaigns to articulate Alley Cat Allies’ message, as well as completes independent projects to inform and develop messaging.

Job Responsibilities

Writing:

• Articles and campaign content for website
• Fact sheets and educational content
• E-action alerts and other email communications
• E-news and quarterly newsletter articles
• Correspondence on behalf of leadership
• Guest blog posts and articles on behalf of leadership
• News stories, letters to the editor, press releases, and marketing/promotional content
• Work with Deputy Director of Communications to strategize content prioritization and creation

Editing:

• Check facts, references, and data to ensure accuracy
• Provide substantive editing and rewriting and/or proofreading for all departments as needed
• Edit content from external vendors and freelancers to comply with style and messaging
• Maintain and update style guide

Research:

• Conduct background research, establish supporting evidence and utilize Alley Cat Allies’ archives to maintain existing content, create new content, and inform positions
• Interview experts and sources for publications as necessary
• Occasional travel to bring new information back to the organization and propose new products

Partners (position collaborates with)

• Reports to and receives assignments from Director and Deputy Director of Communications
• Provides content and editorial support for all departments, including Community Programs and Support; Research, Law & Policy; Development; and Executive Leadership; and interacts with them accordingly to obtain information
• Sometimes interviews and works directly with leadership on drafts and edits
• Works closely with Web and New Media coordinator on workflow of email communications

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Five (5) years of related experience
  • Familiarity with new media – i.e. blogs, social networks – and an understanding of when and how to incorporate these into communications campaigns
• Experience conducting telephone interviews
  • Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex scientific information clearly
  • Excellent organizational and problem solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities and projects, and to meet tight deadlines
  • Superior attention to detail and follow through
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team player, while recognizing the nature of a small nonprofit
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to take initiative
  • Highly proficient computer skills with demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Word, Excel and other software programs as indicated
  • Knowledge of feral cat issues a plus
  • Previous non-profit, animal-centric experience preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS        

• Must be able to see and read from a computer screen
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely via telephone and in person

ALLEY CAT ALLIES’ ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Each member is expected to consider Alley Cat Allies’ core principles in guiding their decisions and actions:

• Understand and support the mission of Alley Cat Allies.
  • Respect and value those who partner with or request assistance from Alley Cat Allies.
  • Manage the resources of Alley Cat Allies in a manner that maximizes the funds available for charitable activity.
  • Appreciate the value of diversity and equal opportunity in all work relationships.
  • Respect the contribution of each employee of Alley Cat Allies and support colleagues in fulfilling their individual responsibilities.
  • Appreciate differences in perspectives and pointsof view and work collaboratively with colleagues toward shared goals and objectives.
  • Commit time to Alley Cat Allies activities and conversations that strengthen the organization’s culture and optimize its effectiveness.

  Please send your cover letter with resume including salary history to : humanresources@alleycat.org. Please also include four professional writing samples with your submission.