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Development Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Meineke - 2275

Service Writer

South Elgin, IL

... Training and Development Comprehensive Benefits Package Employee Discounts Positive Work ... writer capabilities, previous service management experience. Every day is different in our busy ...

Astronics

Technical Writer

Lake Zurich, IL · Remote

Drive the timely development of product documentation, coordinating your efforts with subject ... Previous Technical Writing experience. Familiarity with FAA and/or EASA regulatory documentation ...

Astronics

Technical Writer

Lake Zurich, IL · Remote

Drive the timely development of product documentation, coordinating your efforts with subject ... Previous Technical Writing experience. Familiarity with FAA and/or EASA regulatory documentation ...

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.

Meineke

Service Writer

South Elgin, IL

$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.

TransUnion

Technical Writer

Chicago, IL

You will Write, edit, and format moderately complex technical content including user guides ... your career development and growth in: * Ability to manage complex and competing tasks with ...

Transunion

Technical Writer

Chicago, IL

You will Write, edit, and format moderately complex technical content including user guides ... your career development and growth in: * Ability to manage complex and competing tasks with ...

Trans Union LLC

Technical Writer

Chicago, IL

You will Write, edit, and format moderately complex technical content including user guides ... your career development and growth in: * Ability to manage complex and competing tasks with ...

TransUnion

Technical Writer

Chicago, IL · On-site

You will Write, edit, and format moderately complex technical content including user guides ... your career development and growth in: * Ability to manage complex and competing tasks with ...

Walgreens

Proposal Writer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$63K - $101K/yr

... content development, formatting drafts, obtaining approvals, and editing content. Ensures ... Demonstrated persuasive business writing skills * Strong communication skills. Experience ...

Revenova LLC

Technical Writer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

The Technical Writer will play a key role in creating, maintaining, and publishing clear, accurate ... Aid in the development, maintenance, and publication of technical documentation and knowledge base ...

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All JobsDevelopment Writer JobsDevelopment Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Development Writer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$69.7K

$91.2K

How much do development writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for development writer in Chicago, IL is $69,696.00, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,696 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Senior Writer

Senior Writer

VSA Partners

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

VSA's purpose is to design for a better human experience. As a strategy and design agency, we blend consumer insights and data with human-centered design to activate meaningful, motivating and measurable experiences in an increasingly noisy world. With offices in Chicago, New York and San Francisco, VSA offers a full range of fully integrated capabilities-branding, advertising, data science and technology-all under one roof. VSA is also a proud member of Meet The People, an international family of unified and independent agencies. For more than 40 years, we have delivered solutions for business and creative leaders at some of the world's most respected brands and forward-thinking organizations, including Google, Nike and IBM.
Open role in VSA Office locations, including New York, and Chicago; Hybrid work schedule
Role Overview
The Senior Writer is responsible for developing relevant, memorable and highly creativecommunications for clients through language and ideas that support strategy, design, and brand expression. We are looking for candidates who come from both brand- and campaign-oriented backgrounds; we encourage both to apply.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)
  • Work independently to develop unique concepts and content that solve clients' business and brand challenges.
  • Think visually as well as verbally, contributing from the outset to the structure, look and feel of a client project.
  • Interact closely with Designers and Creative Directors to create and refine content for a chosen design direction, identifying alternative message strategies for achieving clients' objectives.
  • Perform effectively at concepting, group brainstorming, and writing of placeholder copy, working both independently and collaboratively.
  • Collaborate in the development and definition of the "voice" for a client, a program or individual project.
  • Establish and/or interpret brand positioning, tone and attributes effectively.
  • Demonstrate use of logic in structuring content, and offer the creative team strategic thinking and knowledge of business and marketing principles.
  • Interact effectively with subject-matter experts on client staff to obtain background information, and skillfully interview and gather information directly.
  • Contribute to and edit creative or strategic briefs presented to clients.
  • Contribute to solutions to sensitive or difficult client issues in conjunction with Engagement Lead and Project Manager.
  • Participate in creative presentations to clients.
  • Meet and manage to deadlines.
  • Identify and evaluate potential freelance writing resources and direct them on behalf of clients and the creative team, as needed.
  • Foster a working environment that promotes and embraces independent and creative thinking, diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications -To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • 3 to 6 years of experience in communications, business, marketing, advertising, journalism, or a related field.
  • Experience in an agency or similar client services environment is preferred.
  • A strong vocabulary, expertise in English usage, and comfort with multiple and often complex writing assignments, styles and disciplines.
  • Ability to focus on user priorities and needs in structuring content and to offer the team strategic thinking and knowledge of business, brand and marketing principles.
  • Ability to effectively articulate, present and explain writing choices.
  • Ability to produce work quickly, with strength in meeting and managing to deadlines.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Skills in complex problem solving, judgment, critical thinking and decision-making.
  • Versatility and agility in handling multiple projects and reprioritizations.
  • Ability to organize information, prioritize, pay attention to detail, and accurately follow procedures.
  • Ability to maintain self-motivation and to work independently in team environments.

Education
  • An undergraduate degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Advertising or Integrated/Strategic Communications.

Total Perks Package
  • The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
  • Amazing opportunities for career development
  • Recognition programs
  • Employee referral bonus
  • Fun and collaborative work environment
  • Casual dress code
  • Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
  • 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
  • Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
  • Flexible Time Off Policy
  • Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
  • Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Chicago Estimated Salary Range
$90,000-$100,000 USD
VSA Partners is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit and business need.
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VSA PARTNERS, LLC
vsapartners.com

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