Development Writer

About the American Enterprise Institute

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

About the Role

The American Enterprise Institute is seeking a full-time, in-person development writer or junior development writer to support the fundraising department's efforts to build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with donors and prospects who share AEI's core values: free people, free markets, limited government, economic opportunity for all, and a strong American role in the world.

The person in this position will focus on drafting and editing proposals, reports, and other communications for individual, foundation, and corporate donors across AEI's research areas.

The ideal candidate possesses first-rate writing and communication skills, with an excellent command of grammar, usage, tone, and other stylistic features; a strong ability to proof and edit copy; and the ability to meet tight deadlines and multitask. AEI seeks a highly organized, self-directed individual who is interested in building a career in fundraising, skilled at distilling complex policy issues, and eager to work in an intellectually stimulating environment.

This is a full-time role based in AEI's DC office. Title will be commensurate with experience: candidates with 0-2 years will be considered for the Junior Development Writer title, and those with 2-4 years for the Development Writer title.

• Collaborate with individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising teams to draft proposals and reports for donors and prospects.
• Work with AEI scholars, program managers, and research assistants to develop fundraising proposals and reports.
• Develop donor marketing materials, including one-pagers, slide decks, email newsletters, solicitation letters, and book letters.
• Review and edit fundraising material written by the Development department, including thank-you notes and acknowledgments.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor's degree (required), preferably in economics, English, history, politics, public policy, philosophy, or a related field
• Junior development writer: 0–2 years of full-time, applicable experience; previous internship experience (strongly preferred)
• Development writer: 2–4 years of full-time, applicable experience
• Experience or interest in a writing-focused role
• An excellent command of grammar, usage, style, and tone
• First-rate organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills
• Comfort with complex policy issues and skill at distilling dense material
• A keen interest in current events, public policy, free enterprise, and AEI's mission
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in publishing or designing donor management software (a plus)

BenefitsAEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $70,000. Salary is just one component of AEI's total compensation package for employees.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

• Cover letter including:
  • An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to AEI's mission and how you came to those beliefs
  • Salary requirements
• Resume
• A writing sample

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:

Questions can be directed to Savannah Rupp, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is assisting with the search:

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.