Writer Jobs in Illinois
Writer jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Evanston, and Naperville, where advertising agencies, publishers, and corporate communications teams maintain steady demand for content writers, copywriters, and technical writers at every level from entry-level staff writer to senior content strategist. Major employers with a lasting Illinois presence include Tribune Publishing, Leo Burnett, and McDonald's, each of which maintains substantial in-house writing and editorial functions. Demand for writers with digital content, SEO, and B2B marketing expertise is particularly strong across the Chicago metro. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The Link & Option Center
Job description
Job Title: Grant Writer
Report to: President/CEO
Status: Full-time- Exempt
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
The Link & Option Center, Inc. is a Joint Commission–accredited outpatient State Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) serving the far Southside community and designated to serve the Southland region with locations in South Holland and Hazel Crest, Illinois. Founded in 1994, The Link & Option Center, Inc. provides comprehensive behavioral health services including assessment, psychiatry, therapy, crisis services, case management, and care coordination.
The Link & Option Center, Inc., is committed to delivering culturally competent, person-centered care that addresses both behavioral health needs and the social determinants impacting overall well-being. Through early identification, prevention, and treatment, The Link & Option Center, Inc., strives to improve the quality of life and strengthen the communities it serves.
Job Summary
The Link & Option Center, Inc. is seeking a candidate to serve as its Grant Writer. This position will be an integral member of the organization's administration, which applies for, receives, and administers grants on behalf of the organization. The Grant Writer will report to and work under the direction of the President/CEO. This position requires a strong work ethic, productivity, professionalism, problem-solving, and a diverse skill set (i.e., technical, interpersonal, communication, teamwork & collaboration, and problem-solving and critical thinking skills).
Responsibilities
- Perform grant research, grant writing, grant program design and implementation, compliance, and grant reporting.
- Identify potential grant funding opportunities and support from entities such as government agencies, including federal, state, city, county, foundations, private donors, and corporations to meet the financial and operational needs of the organization. Organize and maintain electronic and paper files of grant documents and resources.
Performance Requirements and Measures:
- Average production of 1.5 submissions per week (LOI, solicitations, etc.).
- Create and maintain a weekly task and tracking reporting tool for project reporting.
- Participate in weekly project activity reporting with the CEO.
- Attend regularly scheduled state agency HFS, DHS, SUPR and CBHA Trade Association Behavioral Health Provider Informational Update Meetings on contracts, grants, billing, and compliance.
- Respond to Letters of Inquiry (LOI), route LOIs to the Executive Director, and track all submissions.
- Maintain records of all payments and receivables and prepare monthly records for all grant-related activities.
- Prepare financial or budget plans and allocations in accordance with each grant project.
- Analyze the budget trends and make recommendations for cost control and reduction for various grants.
- Provide detailed reports to the funders and board of directors with respect to the organization’s progress.
- Produce reports, including grant activity reports and other reports as needed, for the Executive Director, TLOC staff members, Board, and program teams.
- Set up a system for tracking grant-related requirements, due dates, and ensuring compliance with specific grant terms and conditions.
- Keep the relevant staff informed about upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth completion of work responsibilities.
- Coordinate grant program information, submission of cash requests, and assistance with reporting requirements.
- Oversee if the grants are implemented according to the operational and financial needs of the organization.
- Conduct administrative tasks related to compliance, generating grant documents, mailing agreements, and reconciling grant checks.
- Respond to general requests for information about TLOC grants.
- Work to enhance and improve grant management processes and increase efficiency.
- Maintain grant documents.
Education/Skills Requirements
- Ten years of grant management and development experience and a strong interest in providing high-quality support to a community-based professional organization.
- Master’s degree in business administration is preferred but not required.
- Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising administrative projects.
- Skilled user of the MS Office suite. Strong Excel skills are a must. Must be comfortable learning new systems and web-based applications.
- Proficient in Raiser’s Edge, Adobe Premiere, and Constant Contact.
- Experience with financial management, including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting, is a must.
- Proficiency in GAAP is a plus. Must have experience and be comfortable working with numbers.
- Ability to perform in a cross-functional management approach and handle job responsibilities.
- Experienced in the use of office systems and equipment.
- Impeccable attention to detail
- Strong document management skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Excellent time management skills, aptitude for proper task prioritization, and results-oriented work process.
- Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion
- Professional demeanor, integrity, tact, and sound judgment
- Dependability and sense of humor.
Working Conditions
- Work is generally performed in an office setting with frequent interruptions, multiple deadlines, applicant inquiries, and peak workload periods. The position will require attending a weekly TLOC staff meeting and daily collaboration. This position requires a 40-hour workweek, including evening meetings as needed.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
See All 60 Writer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Writer JobsWriter Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Writer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Mondelēz International13

- Walmart4

- Traffic Tech3

- Stonebriar Auto Services2

- NOCD1

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in writer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field required
- Portfolio of published or professional writing samples demonstrating range and quality
- Proficiency with content management systems such as WordPress or similar platforms
- Experience writing for digital channels including websites, email campaigns, and social media
- Strong editing skills and familiarity with AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Writer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a writer in Illinois?
Writing in Illinois requires no state-issued license or government credential. Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or marketing, along with a portfolio of writing samples. Many candidates build that portfolio through internships at Chicago-area media outlets, agencies, or corporate communications departments. Specialized roles in technical writing or healthcare content may expect additional subject-matter knowledge gained through coursework or prior industry experience.
Which companies hire writers in Illinois?
Employers hiring writers in Illinois right now include Mondelēz International, Walmart, and Traffic Tech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's deep concentration of advertising agencies, Fortune 500 headquarters, and regional media companies means consistent demand for writers across content, copy, and technical disciplines throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most writer jobs?
The cities with the most writer openings in Illinois are Chicago, Peoria, and Joliet. Chicago dominates the distribution because it is home to the largest share of Illinois ad agencies, corporate headquarters, and publishing operations, while suburban markets like Evanston and Naperville generate demand from universities, regional businesses, and companies that have relocated operations outside the city core.
Are there remote writer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. Writing is among the most remote-friendly occupations because the work is deliverable digitally and rarely requires a fixed on-site presence. About 28% of writer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly Illinois employers have adopted flexible arrangements for content roles. Content writing and copywriting positions tend to be the most remote, while roles requiring close collaboration with creative or editorial teams are more often hybrid.
How can I get hired as a writer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship at a Chicago-area agency, media company, or corporate communications team, which gives you clips and a professional reference in a single placement. Large Illinois employers including Tribune Publishing and major Loop-based ad agencies run structured internship programs that frequently convert to full-time staff writer roles. Entry-level titles like content coordinator, editorial assistant, or junior copywriter are the most common first steps, and a polished portfolio of four to six writing samples, even from academic or volunteer projects, gives candidates a clear edge over applicants who apply without one.
Where can I find and apply to writer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to writer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated in real time. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialization, and preferred location or work arrangement, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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