Content Writer

We are seeking an experienced Digital and Print Content Writer to support a federal science agency’s public affairs and strategic communications efforts. This role focuses on producing clear, accurate, and compelling written content that translates complex scientific, technical, and policy topics into accessible materials for diverse audiences, including Congress, researchers, academic institutions, and the general public.

The writer will support leadership communications, web and print publications, social media, and multimedia scripting while ensuring compliance with federal plain language and accessibility requirements. This is a high-visibility role supporting senior leadership communications in a fast-paced federal environment.

This work will predominantly be onsite in Alexandria, VA with the potential for hybrid work upon client approval.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and edit a wide range of digital and print products, including articles, white papers, fact sheets, blogs, press releases, reports, webpages, and internal communications
• Translate complex scientific, technical, and policy content into plain language for non-expert audiences
• Develop leadership communications such as speeches, talking points, remarks, testimony, presentations, and messaging materials
• Conduct research and fact-checking through written sources and interviews with subject-matter experts, scientists, and program officials
• Tailor content for diverse audiences, including Congress, scientific associations, academic stakeholders, and the general public
• Collaborate closely with communications staff, program offices, multimedia teams, and leadership to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with agency priorities
• Draft and edit web content summarizing policies, guidance, and information for proposers and awardees
• Apply search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) principles where appropriate
• Ensure all content complies with the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and Section 508 accessibility standards
• Edit content to conform to AP Style and agency-specific voice, tone, and style guidelines
• Support social media content development and coordination with multimedia staff as needed
• Contribute to quality assurance through copyediting and proofreading across formats

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including at least 3 years writing about scientific or technical subjects
• Demonstrated experience writing both short- and long-form content (e.g., press releases, blogs, fact sheets, reports, webpages)
• Strong ability to distill complex scientific and technical information into clear, compelling language for varied audiences
• Experience conducting research and fact-checking using written sources and direct interviews
• Proficiency in AP Style and plain language writing
• Familiarity with federal communication requirements, including the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and Section 508 accessibility standards
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and respond to rapid-turnaround needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing for federal agencies, scientific funders, or research-focused organizations
• Degree in journalism, communications, or a science-related field
• Experience supporting leadership communications such as speeches, testimony, or senior-level messaging
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content management or scheduling tools (e.g., Cision or similar)
• Knowledge of SEO and AEO best practices in a government or science communications context

Pay: $55,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Alexandria, VA 22314

Salary : $55,000 - $80,000