Speechwriter

The Office of the Illinois Governor is seeking a skilled wordsmith to join the communications team that supports Governor JB Pritzker. We are looking for a writer to lead the development of speeches and original content for the Governor and ensure that key messages are communicated through compelling prose.

Past experience writing speeches for a high-level principal is preferred – but not a requisite for the right candidate who has a proven track record in another writing-forward field, and is willing to learn as they go.

Working closely with the Governor, the Communications team, Deputy Governors, agency heads, and other key leaders, the speechwriter will craft the materials and messages necessary to ensure message cohesion and accuracy for Governor Pritzker’s vision for Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ø Draft speeches, talking points, scripts, and other related materials for the governor, with additional responsibilities for the First Lady and four Deputy Governors on an as-needed basis

Ø Work directly with the communications team and principal to incorporate feedback or edits

Ø Support the communications team through additional written materials as assigned (such as op-eds, letters, and quotes)

Ø Consistently apply detailed fact checking, research and due diligence to all assignments

Ø Must be able to juggle multiple time-sensitive demands simultaneously, and quickly and effectively incorporate feedback into written product.

Education and Experience:

Ø Bachelor's Degree in English, Communications, History, Political Science, or related field (preferred).

Ø Proven communications skills with experience incorporating the perspectives of diverse communities (e.g., race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, etc.) including fact-checking, speech writing, researching, copyediting, proofreading, and editing high-level, public, and sensitive communications documents.

Ø Experience working in government or political campaigns encouraged.

Personal Qualities and Other Attributes:

Ø You are available after traditional work hours and on weekends

Ø You have an ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, work well under tight deadlines, and readily adapt to changing priorities.

Ø You have a strong, inherent drive to consume and digest news

Ø You are adept at taking complex policy ideas and initiative and communicating them to a general audience

Ø You bring curiosity, critical thinking, empathy and excellent written/oral presentation skills

To Apply

Candidates should submit a resume and two work samples.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Final offer, including title and compensation, to be commensurate with experience.

The Governor’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our work and on our teams. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

· Dental insurance

· Disability insurance

· Health insurance

· Paid time off

· Retirement plan

· Vision insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60661: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person