Writer/Editor Jobs

Overview

Founded in 2002, the Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in their government, but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long.

Every day, we educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home.

We are seeking a talented Writer/Editor who embraces this vision.

The Writer/Editor will:

• Produce content applying our policy solution set to news items and featuring our Your Story individuals to highlight problems.
• Edit and rewrite or oversee revisions of content to ensure the institute’s character and tone are represented and consistent.
• Quarterly cultivation letters
• Ensure Associated Press style and rules of usage and grammar are followed, with the goal of producing accurate and clear presentations of content.
• Event invitations
• Seek and develop content ideas to illustrate our policy positions, both with donors and a general audience.
• Work with other Illinois Policy Institute teams to identify compelling results and anecdotes to highlight in donor outreach
• Funding proposals
• Help grow the Illinois Policy Institute’s supporter base by creating compelling content that connects current and prospective supporters to the Illinois Policy Institute’s mission, such as:
  • Weekly email updates
  • Quarterly cultivation letters
  • Funding proposals
  • Event invitations
• Weekly email updates

Culture and compatibility:

Success at the Illinois Policy Institute requires more than professional ambition or a particular skill set. It requires sophisticated emotional intelligence and the ability to operate within a culture of mutual support and high expectations. The Illinois Policy Institute’s organizational values include curiosity, self-accountability, a team-oriented nature, personal integrity and dedication to excellence.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Capacity to adjust strategies and tactics quickly in response to new information
• People and communication skills, whether for collaboration or managing others
• Ability to manage priorities and follow through
• An organized mind and work habits, including a passion for accuracy
• Appreciation for the donor cultivation and solicitation cycle
• Familiarity with fundraising, communications, nonprofit writing or some related field
• Storytelling skills and an ability to transform policy ideas, metrics and strategies into easy-to-understand and compelling language for donor audiences
• Hunger for learning, curiosity and creativity
• Writing and editing skills, with a thorough understanding of Associated Press style and the rules of grammar and usage
• Entrepreneurial, preferring to come up with original ideas rather than awaiting assignments
• Ability to work under pressure and deadline while juggling multiple tasks
• Desire to be useful and self-motivated to seek ways to expand their service for the organization
• Firm belief in free markets, individual liberty and responsibility as key solutions to our communities’ and nation’s toughest problems.

Salary

Commensurate with experience. Compensation package includes health (company-paid medical), vacation and sick days. Flexible work environment and schedule.

Location

The Development Writer will reside in Illinois and work from the Illinois Policy Institute’s Chicago office. Remote working may be a possibility for the right candidate.

To apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following content to Cinda Pensabene at [email protected]:

• Cover letter detailing:
  • Your interest in this position: Explain why writing for a cause is a passion of yours.
  • A compelling case about why the mission of Illinois Policy resonates with you.
  • Your salary requirements.
• A compelling case about why the mission of Illinois Policy resonates with you.
• Your salary requirements.
• Résumé
• Your interest in this position: Explain why writing for a cause is a passion of yours.

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.