Writing Specialist

Position Overview

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Writing Specialist will be responsible for writing and editing communications and marketing materials related to the Tollway, with the emphasis on public-facing material and customer service including when there is a need for written communications targeted to customers.   The Writing Specialist also will assist in handling and/or researching topics for award applications and may write press releases or statements.  Writes internal and external newsletters, website copy, PowerPoint presentations, brochures and promotional materials, as well as help draft responses to customer inquiries as needed.  The Writing Specialist also will be involved in event and press conference planning.

Essential Job Functions

This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Stakeholder Engagement, with additional supervision by the Chief of Stakeholder Engagement and has no subordinates.  Collaborates with Stakeholder Engagement Department staff, particularly the Deputy Chief of Stakeholder, Senior Manager of Marketing and the Community Relations Coordinator to develop communications materials in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences.  May partner with the Tollway’s print shop, IT Department and other departments as needed on special projects, as well as with outside contractors such as designers and printers who may help design and produce written materials. 

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Write communications materials consistent with the Tollway’s mission and messages that also project a credible, positive, and professional public image.
• Draft press releases that support the Tollway’s agenda and goals.
• Draft correspondence, talking points, website copy and other department writing assignments as necessary.
• Help the department identify and pursue potential opportunities for the Tollway to receive local, regional and national recognition through various industry and trade organizations and their respective awards programs.
• Create customer communications materials that customers will view as a helpful convenience and not junk mail or spam.
• Continually offer suggestions and ideas on how to improve internal and external communications for all Tollway stakeholders and customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education (Required)

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or English, including courses in writing

Skills and Experience (Required)

• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in journalism, marketing communications or public relations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, as well as strong grammar and punctuation.
• Must have ability to manage and complete tasks while paying close attention to details and following tight deadlines, as well as work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Must submit a portfolio with 8-10 samples of published work.
• Must have the ability to pass grammar/style and writing tests in order to qualify for an interview.

Skills and Experience (Preferred)

• Fluent written and spoken Spanish preferred.

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation.