Volunteer Contributing Writer

Job Description

Loretto Trust is fully volunteer-led and we seek a talented and skilled writer who is passionate about preserving the Catholic faith at Saint Mary's College.

The Volunteer Contributing Writer for our Quarterly Publication & Newsletter will play a key role in bringing our mission and apostolate to life through thoughtful, engaging written content. Through the quarterly publication and newsletter, you will help communicate our Catholic values, highlight stories of faith and service, deepen community connection, and inspire support and participation. This is a wonderful opportunity to combine writing talent with faith-based service, contribute to a growing apostolic initiative, and gain experience in editorial work. The individual in this role has an immense opportunity to learn the intricacies of nonprofit management from several seasoned professionals.

Time Commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours per month (writing + meetings + revisions). Meets regularly with the Communications Committee (e.g., monthly or as needed), plus additional time leading up to each issue's publication.
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Key Responsibilities
• Collaborate with the Communications Committee to plan content themes and topics for each quarterly publication/newsletter.
• Research and write articles, reflections, interviews, testimonials, news updates, event recaps, and other content relevant to Loretto Trust's mission and audience.
• Work with other contributors or volunteers (if applicable) - solicit content, edit submissions, and help shape a cohesive publication.
• Participate in regular meetings (remote or in-person) with the Communications Committee.
• Ensure content aligns with Catholic values, the mission of Loretto Trust, and tone appropriate for our community.
• Meet agreed-upon deadlines and deliver clean, polished content.
• Assist, as needed, with proofreading, final edits, or assembling the newsletter for distribution (digital and/or print).
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Role Boundaries & Volunteer Nature
• This is an unpaid, volunteer role. The Volunteer Writer is not a paid employee and is not expected to carry out employee-level obligations.
• The volunteer should act in line with Loretto Trust's published volunteer policy and uphold organizational values (respect, collaboration, confidentiality, etc.).
• Work will be managed and guided by the Communications Committee. The volunteer should consult the Committee for changes in scope or tasks.
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Skills & Qualifications (Ideal Candidate)
Essential:
• Strong writing skills (grammar, clarity, tone) and ability to tell compelling stories.
• Commitment to the Catholic faith and values
• Reliable, able to meet deadlines, and responsive to feedback.
• Comfortable collaborating with a committee, including remote communication (email, video calls, shared documents).
• Self-motivated and able to work independently between meetings.
• Commitment to agreed upon deadlines and production schedule.
Desirable:
• Previous writing or editing experience (e.g., school newspaper, other nonprofit, blogs, faith-based writing).
• Experience or willingness to learn basic layout or collaborative tools (e.g., Google Docs, shared drives, email, maybe publishing platforms).
• Excitement for being part of a startup operation and possessing a creative mindset - interest in feature articles, personal stories, reflections, interviews.
• If a college student, interest in service, faith-based work, community engagement.
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What We Offer / What You Get Out of This
• Meaningful and high-visibility volunteer service that supports and strengthens a Catholic apostolic mission.
• A unique and incredible chance to shape the voice and storytelling of Loretto Trust - your writing will help build community, inform supporters, and reflect the identity and values of the organization.
• Flexibility: remote work, adaptable to student schedules or busy lives.
• Collaboration with a supportive Communications Committee and other volunteers. You will have direct access to five seasoned professionals and alumnae from whom you will receive excellent professional development. Great for a resume!
• A tangible output - the quarterly publication/newsletter - that you help bring to life, connect with real people, and potentially share widely.
• Experience in nonprofit communications, editorial work, and faith-based publishing - could be a great resume entry, especially for students or early-career volunteers.
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How to Apply / What to Submit
If you are interested, please email Board Director Susan Powers (smelorettotrust@gmail.com) with:
• A brief cover letter or note describing your interest, background, and why you want to help.
• A writing sample (1-2 pages), ideally reflecting a tone appropriate for a Catholic, nonprofit audience (e.g., article, reflection, essay, report).
• Indicate your approximate availability (hours per month/quarter) and whether you are local to Saint Mary's College or fully remote.

About the Employer

The mission of Loretto Trust is to provide a source of information, a means of communication, opportunities for joint action, and a collective voice to Saint Mary's College alumnae and others in the Saint Mary's family who are concerned about preserving the college's Catholic identity and its tradition as an all-women's college.