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Development Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

SEO Writer (AEO Content Writer)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $48/hr

Key Responsibilities Content Development * Write and refresh approximately 15 SEO-focused articles per week based on assigned briefs, keywords, and business priorities. * Produce educational ...

Writer

Strategic account executive (Central)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$340K - $350K/yr

Learning and development stipend * Company-wide off-sites and team off-sites * Competitive compensation, company stock options and 401k WRITER is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ...

Writer

Solutions architect (Central)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$164K - $245K/yr

Lead the development and execution of compelling proofs of concept (PoCs) and demonstrations, building custom templates and integrating WRITER's capabilities to showcase transformative value and ...

Writer

AI deployment engineer (Central)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$131K - $166K/yr

Learning and development stipend * Company-wide off-sites and team off-sites * Competitive compensation, company stock options and 401k WRITER is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ...

ICONMA

Technical writer

Lake Forest, IL

Because of this, we have created a work environment which fosters career development, stability and ... Specialist/Technical Writer Location: Lake Forest, IL Duration: 4 months Description: Primary ...

Collabera

Technical Writer

Barrington, IL

Manage work plans through the entire software development process The technical writer may be asked the coordinate the work of other technical writers. Coordinate amongst design engineers to gather ...

VSA Partners

Senior Writer

Chicago, IL

Collaborate in the development and definition of the "voice" for a client, a program or individual ... Identify and evaluate potential freelance writing resources and direct them on behalf of clients ...

VSA Partners

Senior Writer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate in the development and definition of the "voice" for a client, a program or individual ... Identify and evaluate potential freelance writing resources and direct them on behalf of clients ...

Ares Operations LLC

RFP Writer

Chicago, IL

Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to ... The RFP Writer will help drive high-quality execution across the full response lifecycle from ...

New

Meineke

Service Writer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Training and Development * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Employee Discounts * Positive Work ... At least two years of experience as an automotive service writer or service advisor is required.

Littelfuse, Inc.

Technical Writer, Relays

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Position Summary We are seeking a Technical Writer to support our Product Development Engineering and Application Engineering teams. This role partners closely with engineering and product management ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment Writer JobsDevelopment Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Development Writer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$69.6K

$91.2K

How much do development writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for development writer in Chicago, IL is $69,641.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $80,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Development Writer typically collaborate with fundraising and program teams?

Development Writers work closely with fundraising teams to craft compelling grant proposals, donor communications, and case statements that align with organizational goals. They often meet with program staff to gather impact stories, data, and updates, ensuring that all written materials accurately reflect the organization's work and needs. This collaboration helps create persuasive content that resonates with funders and stakeholders, and also keeps messaging consistent across departments. Regular communication and feedback loops are key to producing effective fundraising materials.

What are Development Writers?

Development Writers are professionals who create persuasive written materials to support fundraising efforts for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities. They craft grant proposals, donor communications, case statements, and other documents that help secure funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Development Writers work closely with fundraising teams and subject matter experts to clearly communicate an organization's mission, programs, and funding needs. Their writing is tailored to inspire potential donors and build lasting relationships. This role requires strong writing, research, and storytelling skills.

What Does a Development Writer Do?

A development writer is a liaison between a non-profit organization or foundation and the general public, including potential donors. In this career, your duties are to research prospects and draft written materials to help stakeholders understand the mission and goals of a non-profit. You also write and edit speeches to be delivered to the public. Your responsibilities also include overseeing advertising and promotions to make sure they align with the company’s policies and brand. As a development writer, you also participate in fundraising events by crafting informative communication to both increase the reach of the organization's efforts and solicit increased donations from donors.

What is the difference between Development Writer vs Content Writer?

AspectDevelopment WriterContent Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in English, Communications, or related fieldsOften requires similar credentials, but may accept diverse backgrounds
Work EnvironmentWorks in corporate, nonprofit, or grant-funded settings, focusing on proposals and reportsWorks across digital platforms, blogs, social media, and marketing content
Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutionsPrevalent in marketing, media, and advertising industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for writing scope and purposeCompared for style and audience engagement

Development Writers focus on creating proposals, grants, and reports to support organizational goals, often working in formal settings. Content Writers produce engaging digital content aimed at marketing and audience interaction. While both roles require strong writing skills and similar credentials, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Writer, you need strong writing, research, and storytelling skills, often supported by a background in communications, journalism, or English. Familiarity with donor management systems, fundraising platforms, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences help set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities are crucial for crafting compelling fundraising materials that engage donors and support organizational growth.
More about Development Writer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Development Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Development Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Writer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,641 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
SEO Writer (AEO Content Writer)

SEO Writer (AEO Content Writer)

Aquent

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45 - $48/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$45-48 Hourly
Start Date:
Aug 3, 2026
SEO Writer (AEO Content Writer)
The SEO Writer is responsible for creating and refreshing high-quality, search-optimized resource articles that educate prospective students and improve the visibility of university websites in both traditional search engines and AI-powered search experiences (AEO). This role is focused on producing long-form content at a high volume while maintaining accuracy, readability, and brand standards.
Writers will create new articles and update existing content, ranging from complete rewrites to lighter optimizations such as adding executive summaries, improving article structure, incorporating new keywords, and enhancing readability. Success in this role requires strong research skills, the ability to quickly understand complex topics, comfort using AI-assisted writing tools, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Content Development
  • Write and refresh approximately 15 SEO-focused articles per week based on assigned briefs, keywords, and business priorities.
  • Produce educational, prospective student-focused content covering healthcare, business, technology, and other academic disciplines.
  • Update existing articles with lighter optimizations such as:
    • Executive summaries
    • Improved formatting and readability
    • Bullet lists
    • Keyword enhancements
    • Content expansions or complete rewrites when needed
  • Create content that is accurate, engaging, and aligned with university brand standards.
Research & Accuracy
  • Research complex academic and career-related topics using credible sources.
  • Translate technical or specialized information into clear, student-friendly language.
  • Verify facts and ensure all information is current before publication.
  • Exercise sound editorial judgment while working independently with minimal oversight.
SEO & AI Optimization
  • Apply SEO best practices, including keyword placement, search intent, content structure, and internal linking.
  • Understand emerging AEO (AI Engine Optimization) best practices to improve discoverability within AI-powered search experiences.
  • Utilize AI writing tools (such as Writer, Claude, or similar platforms) to accelerate drafting and content optimization while maintaining originality, editorial quality, and factual accuracy.
  • Be comfortable incorporating AI into everyday workflows rather than relying solely on manual writing.
Collaboration
  • Work from detailed creative briefs and editorial calendars.
  • Partner with editors and project managers to meet aggressive production timelines.
  • Incorporate editorial feedback and revisions efficiently.
  • Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.

Qualifications
  • 2-4+ years of professional SEO content writing experience.
  • Experience writing long-form, research-based articles, preferably in higher education, healthcare, business, technology, or related industries.
  • Strong understanding of SEO writing principles, keyword strategy, user intent, and content optimization.
  • Excellent research and fact-checking skills.
  • Ability to quickly synthesize complex information into engaging, easy-to-understand content.
  • Comfortable working in a high-volume production environment with ambitious content goals.
  • Experience using AI writing tools as part of the content creation process.
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Workfront or other project management platforms is a plus.
Ideal Candidate
  • Comfortable producing high volumes of content without sacrificing quality.
  • Naturally curious and enjoys researching unfamiliar topics.
  • Detail-oriented with strong editorial judgment.
  • Excited to leverage AI tools to improve speed and efficiency.
  • Able to quickly ramp up and contribute with minimal onboarding.

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