Job Description

We are seeking a strategic thinker and skilled communicator (writing and speaking) to join our team as a Senior Fundraising Officer (Proposal Writer) In this full-time role based at WOTR s Pune office, you will lead the development of compelling grant proposals, pitch decks, RFP responses, and concept notes that align with WOTR/ W-CReS mission and resonate with donors You will work closely with fundraisers, program directors, senior management, researchers and regional leads to create high-quality, data-driven narratives that effectively communicate complex field interventions, knowledge gaps and critical community needs This role involves coordinating with in-house project development teams to craft the narrative portions of technical, financial, and commercial proposals, mentoring a junior writer, contributing to fundraising strategy, and engaging with donors to support the organization s mission of uplifting vulnerable rural communities Proposal Design and Creation Serve as the lead writer coordinating across the fundraising team and regional project development teams to drive proposal creation. Develop and edit high-quality, customized content for competitive proposals, pitch decks, and related documents, using existing boilerplates and inputs from project teams. Gather and synthesize information from technical, field, and research teams to craft clear, persuasive, and logically structured proposals that align with donor priorities and comply with application requirements. Translate field realities, project strategies, and methodologies into compelling narratives that position WOTR s and W-CReS works in innovative and donor-aligned ways. Mentor a Junior Writer Supervise and support a Junior Writer, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality content. Provide regular feedback, guidance, and editorial support to help strengthen writing, structure, and storytelling. Allocate tasks, manage workflow, and build the Junior Writer s capacity in proposal development, research, and donor communications. Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment that encourages learning and skill-building. Develop a Deep Understanding of WOTR s and W-CReS work Build a thorough understanding of WOTR s core themes and interventions through reading, media materials, and regular engagement with field teams, researchers and management. Leverage this knowledge to respond to donor inquiries via calls and emails, deliver introductory pitches when needed, and route opportunities internally to the right teams. Act as the central point of contact for remotely based fundraisers, supporting internal coordination, ideation, and proposal development aligned to donor interests. Maintain and update due diligence documents to ensure that all standard organizational information is accurate, up-to-date, and readily available for inclusion in proposals as and when required. Secondary Research and Sector Intelligence Track and identify relevant funding opportunities, taking ownership of the grant application process from assessment to submission. Stay abreast of shifting donor priorities, emerging funding frameworks, and contemporary development approaches to ensure proposals remain relevant, impactful, and we'll-aligned. Regularly update yourself and the team on policy changes, sector trends, and evolving concepts in the development landscape to strengthen strategic thinking and proposal quality. Apply if you have A deep passion and curiosity for rural development and a strong commitment to uplifting vulnerable rural communities from poverty. A bachelors or masters degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Economics, or a related field. 2-4 years of experience in proposal writing, content writing, communications, grant writing, or secondary research. A talent for reporting and documentation, combined with a creative mindset and exceptional writing skills. Excellent visual communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear and engaging slides or infographics. Proficiency in at least one visual tool such as Canva. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite. The ability to work independently, demonstrating diligence and initiative without requiring constant supervision. A curiosity to explore innovative storytelling methods and new tools for business development. Strong time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines while juggling multiple projects. A collaborative spirit, with the ability to build strong networks and relationships within the organization. An interest in national and international business affairs with an ability to understand the business dynamics to tap funding opportunities A solution-oriented mindset, with a practical approach to problem-solving. Patience and compassion, understanding the challenges of working within the often unstructured nature of the Indian non-profit sector. Willingness to travel at least once in 2 months.