Freelance Journalism Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

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