Child Welfare Editor/Writer II

The Writer/Editor II-Child Welfare is a versatile editor and writer on a highly collaborative, creative team, with a strong emphasis on substantive editing, copyediting, and quality assurance for engaging, high-quality communications products that support project-specific child welfare priorities. The Writer/Editor II is a critical thinker who is adept at editing, refining, and developing evidence-based content that drives improvements in child welfare outcomes and resonates with audiences that include state/federal policy makers and child welfare professionals. The Writer/Editor II has knowledge of child welfare, extensive writing and editing experience, and is comfortable in an agile, deadline-driven environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, and quality control reviews for new and existing content to strengthen clarity, organization, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project style guides, with minimal oversight from supervisor and/or subject matter experts

• Writing and revising content about priority child welfare topics in multiple formats for specified audiences, tailoring approaches to meet audience needs

• Collaborating with clients, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors to obtain feedback, incorporate it into revised drafts, and verify the accuracy of final documents

• Tracking a range of editorial processes; helping to identify and project timelines for content development milestones related to drafting, reviewing, and revising content; editing; formatting; quality control; and final content production

• Preparing content for various stages of internal and external review

• Posting approved resources to the content management system

• Updating published content to reflect research advances, new guidance, evolving best practices and industry standards, legislative and regulatory changes, etc.

• Assisting with developing, updating, and expanding project style guides

• Ensuring that the needs of the client are reflected in all products and that consistent voice and language are applied to all materials

• Actively contributing to discussions around process and quality improvement, workflow efficiencies, and editorial and content development best practices

• Engaging in ongoing professional development activities to stay abreast of industry trends and innovations in content development

• Collaborating to conduct research to support ongoing content development, including creation of substantive, well-cited outlines to support product proposals

• Assisting with 508 compliance review

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in English, Communications, Comparative Literature, Journalism, or a child welfare- or public health-related field

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years professional writing and editing, including substantial hands-on experience in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading

• Experience in editing and writing for child welfare, public health, social science, or behavioral health content.

• Experience in digital-first communications as well as adapting writing style for digital channels (an ability to customize content as needed across channels) working knowledge of the Styles function in Word

• Experience with responsible incorporation of artificial intelligence into editorial workflows

Competencies:

• Ability to independently edit others’ work for clarity, organization, consistency, and style while preserving intended meaning and to write clear, concise original copy with minimal supervision and revision

• Proven success at tailoring messaging to specific audiences

• Experience collaborating within small and cross-functional teams

• Self-motivated and proactive to work independently; adaptable and flexible to cope with changing requirements and guidance

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Demonstrated expertise and agility managing a variety of writing and editing projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Self-motivated and proactive to work independently without extensive supervision; adaptable and flexible to cope with changing requirements and guidance

• Ability to interact well with others in a positive, courteous, and professional manner

• Superb organizational skills

• Attention to detail

• Excellent oral communication skills

• Demonstrated writing and editing skills as proven through work samples showcasing content across a range of formats and publication channels

Technical Knowledge:

• Superior command of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax; proven ability to apply this knowledge in alignment with common industry style guides (e.g., AMA, AP, APA, Chicago, GPO); working knowledge of federal plain language guidelines

• Proficiency in the full Microsoft Office suite of applications, especially MS Word and PowerPoint

• Experience working with MS SharePoint or similar document-sharing platforms that enable multiple users to access, edit, and track revisions to a live document at once in real time

• Working knowledge of the 508-compliance review process; proficiency preferred

• Working knowledge of project/publication tracking and management software, such as Monday.com, MS Project, or Smartsheet

• Familiarity with plagiarism detection platforms/software

• Working knowledge of content revision functions in Adobe Acrobat Competencies:

Location:

• This position is remote eligible. Candidates who live within 50 miles of our North Bethesda, MD or San Mateo, CA offices will be expected to work in a hybrid capacity.

Security Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Public Trust is required as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Extended Computer Use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse

• Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials

• Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision

• Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders

• Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings

• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for short distances

• Sensory Abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills

• Work Environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels

Other Duties As Assigned: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

Salary Range: $72,875 - $90,000 annually.

Compensation is determined by years of directly relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, contract labor category requirements, and internal equity considerations. Final salary offers may vary within the posted range.

Benefits:

JBS International provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, and other employee programs.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include cover letter, resume, and at least (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at jobs@jbsinternational.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Salary : $72,875 - $90,000