Content Lead Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.

ZS’s corporate support teams operate the firm’s core internal enterprise functions. Our global teams include team-oriented, pragmatic and results-driven people who thrive in a challenging work environment. Our people come from diverse backgrounds but share a passion for quality customer service and dedication whether our customer is a client or another ZS employee. The Marketing & Communications team helps build the ZS brand, champion thought leadership, support business development and engage our past, present and future workforce.

The ZS Impact Institute is ZS’s forward-looking research arm, dedicated to clarifying what is changing, why it matters and what leaders must do next. Through rigorously developed, evidence-based insights, it empowers executives to move beyond analysis to decisive, high-impact action.

SENIOR CONTENT LEAD, ZS IMPACT INSTITUTE

We’re looking for an experienced content writer and strategist to join our marketing and communications team. Reporting to the Head of Content, the Senior Content Lead will work closely across marcomms functions to deliver a content strategy that aligns with the needs of ZS’s Impact Institute. The Senior Content Lead for the Institute is responsible for defining and delivering the Institute’s content strategy, translating proprietary research into compelling, high-impact narratives that build ZS’s authority in the market. This role connects research, brand, and business priorities owning the end-to-end content system that brings the Institute’s POV to life across flagship reports, campaigns and executive communications.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and should be able to flex their storytelling skills across content in a variety of media, ranging from research reports to videos to podcasts, social campaigns and marketing assets. The candidate must be highly collaborative and excellent at partnering internally with our SMEs, marketers, other writers, designers and digital experts, as well as with external agencies and vendors, to produce high-quality content.

What you'll do:

Partner with marcomms leadership and ZS executives to set the content strategy for the Institute

• Define a cohesive content strategy that translates Institute research into clear, differentiated narratives tied to firm priorities, growth areas and market trends
• Serve as a trusted advisor on content strategy and storytelling approaches
• Establish editorial direction, messaging frameworks, and content pillars for the Institute
• Ensure all content aligns to audience needs, buyer journeys, and ZS positioning
• Follow industry news, trends and timely topics that are relevant to ZS Institute targets and share that information with colleagues to strengthen the development of ZS content

Own flagship thought leadership

• Lead content for major Institute outputs, working closely with Institute team members, SMEs, and firm leadership to shape ideas into market-facing narratives
• Influence direction by identifying strong hooks, POVs, and differentiation that garner media attention
• Shape core narratives, storylines, and editorial structure for large-scale publications
• Translate complex research into accessible, compelling storytelling across formats
• Understand and apply positioning information including personas, content journeys, message maps, strategic keyword lists and more to deliver content projects that align with Institute strategy and with the needs of our target audiences, especially those in the healthcare industries

Partner on integrated, multi-channel execution

• Ensure consistency and quality across long-form, short-form, visual, and multimedia content
• Partner with creative, digital, and campaign teams to activate research through full-funnel experiences
• Partner with marcomms team members to develop event content that highlights key ZS Institute insights in keynote presentations, promotional videos, social media and more

Lead content excellence and team capability

• Set a high bar for writing, storytelling, and editorial rigor
• Mentor writers and contributors to improve clarity, structure, and impact
• Provide clear direction and feedback, elevating overall content quality across the team

Use data to improve performance

• Define success metrics for Institute content (engagement, reach, pipeline contribution)
• Partner with digital and analytics teams to track performance and continuously optimize content strategy

Build scalable content systems for Institute reports

• Establish repeatable approaches for turning research into multi-channel content
• Improve workflows, planning, and governance for Institute outputs
• Ensure consistency in tone, structure, and messaging across all deliverables

What you’ll bring:

• B.A./B.S. degree required, advanced degree welcome
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in content strategy, thought leadership, or B2B marketing or communications
• Demonstrated knowledge of or familiarity with writing for healthcare audiences
• Experience working on a mix of thought leadership and promotional content
• Keen understanding of and a passion for the latest trends in content strategy
• Expert knowledge of AP style and of using an in-house style guide
• Knowledge of SEO and GEO best practices and how to apply them to digital content
• The ability to self-assess the success of writing projects and to use data to continuously improve content
• Experience working with content management systems and project management platforms
• Stellar project management skills
• Proven ability to think creatively in response to diverse demands and projects
• The ability to influence others and negotiate to arrive at the best solutions
• Proven experience working with senior leaders and outstanding stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative mindset to creating content that blends the ability to work independently and with a team
• Ability to flex morning schedule, if needed, to collaborate with team members in India
• Minimal travel required (~5%)
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

Please attach 3-4 writing samples that best demonstrate your ability to create high-quality content for professional audiences. Alternatively, you may provide a link to an online portfolio containing relevant work. Applications submitted without writing samples or a portfolio link may not be considered.

How you’ll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

To complete your application:

Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.