Writer and Author (Print Journalism)

CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD. This position depends on a contract Federal Contracting Services, LLC (FCS) is competing for and will be filled only if FCS receives the award.

Location: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (Full-time, on-site)

Salary: $85,000 – $100,000/year

Anticipated start: 1 Dec 2026

Federal Contracting Services (FCS) is seeking a dynamic Writer and Author to capture and share the stories of innovation, compassion and service that define Walter Reed. You are an inquisitive, skilled journalist who can drive a proactive news-gathering operation and manage editorial projects from pitch to publication across print and digital platforms.

What you will do

• Develop and manage a strategic editorial calendar and lead feature stories from pitch, research and interviews through writing, photo and video coordination, and publication.

• Identify stories on clinical advancements, research, patient successes and staff achievements that align with strategic communication objectives.

• Conduct sensitive, insightful interviews with medical staff, patients, families and experts, applying Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) safeguards.

• Write, rewrite and edit copy in Associated Press (AP) Style; develop news pegs and balanced articles for news releases, features and special publications.

• Support media relations: take media queries, arrange and moderate interviews, assist about 10 callers a day and support about 4 distinguished-visitor (distinguished visitor [DV]) visits a month.

• Update the website and social media sites; compile weekly external communication reports; generate 2–3 editorial ideas a month.

• Draft speeches, briefings and crisis-communication materials, and help plan press conferences, media briefings and community engagement events.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a related field.

• 5 years of proven experience in journalism or professional writing, supported by a strong portfolio of published articles that shows exceptional skill in interviewing, narrative storytelling and long-form writing.

• Proven experience in healthcare communications, military public affairs, or a similar regulated, high-visibility environment.

• A thorough understanding of HIPAA and the safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI), and the ability to apply those principles rigorously, especially when interviewing patients.

• Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to manage an editorial calendar, develop content strategies and see multiple stories through to completion at the same time.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with interview subjects from all walks of life, including patients, families, senior leaders and world-renowned medical experts.

You must be able to:

• Obtain and keep a Common Access Card (CAC) and a favorably adjudicated Tier 2 (non-critical sensitive) background investigation.

• Sign a Defense Health Agency (DHA) Non-Disclosure Agreement (DHA Form 49) no later than the first day of employment, renewed each option year.

• Complete DHA onboarding, mandatory Department of War (DoW) and DHA training, and HIPAA privacy and security training within the first 30 days.

• Meet DHA health and immunization requirements.

• Work on site at Walter Reed (8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD), Monday through Friday except federal holidays; support contingency activations or exercises outside normal duty hours when required.

Additional FCS requirements

• Submit links to three published clips with your application (your full portfolio is reviewed during screening).

Benefits

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their families

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution

• 11 paid federal holidays plus 80 hours of paid time off, usable for vacation or sick and safe leave

• Employer-paid life and disability insurance

• Government-furnished workspace and equipment at Walter Reed

FCS is an SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business. FCS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Federal Contracting Services, LLC (FCS) is seeking two highly creative, strategically minded Graphic Designers to serve as visual storytellers for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), the nation's premier military medical center. You will translate complex medical, military and command information into compelling, high-impact visual communications, and you will manage design projects from concept through final production in support of the Hospital Communications Department.