Writer/Editor II - Communications Specialist

Washington, DC / Hybrid work schedule / Two days in office / Contract role with possible 5 year renewal

*Must be able to obtain Public Trust Clearance

Our client is seeking a Writer-Editor / Communications Specialist to support their customer, the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), which is part of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. 

The Writer-Editor / Communications Specialist will research, draft and proofread a range of materials, including social media, web content, and newsletters; coordinate social media content postings, including graphics development; and provide other communications support tasks, as needed. The successful candidate must be able to write about a sensitive topic in an objective and informative tone appropriate for SMART's audience.

Candidates should have the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and be able to successfully juggle competing priorities. Candidates with proven ability to be flexible, respond to last-minute requests, and complete tasks quickly and accurately are highly desired. They will work in direct consultation and coordination with the federal Communications Coordinator (who oversees all our clients communications-related activity), as well as with the Contracting Officer’s Representative assigned to this contract.

Tasks may include the following

• Drafting social media content related to SMART’s mission and programs.
• Researching and writing stories of victims.
• Writing and editing blogs, articles, solicitations, reports, letters, and other correspondence.
• Updating content on SMART’s website, which is hosted on OJP’s Drupal web environment.
• Creating simple graphics, such as social media cards, using the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Adobe Illustrator.
• Assisting with SMART’s records management team.

The Writer-Editor / Communications Specialist must have the ability to write and edit a range of materials and possess a comprehensive knowledge of English syntax and composition, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, usage, and vocabulary. The selected candidate will edit material for clarity, coherence, and rational development of ideas, tailoring it to meet the information needs of the intended audience. Candidates should be familiar with and follow AP Style, have a strong attention to detail, and be able to carefully proofread content.

Candidates should be well-versed in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Teams, and be able to format documents at a professional level. Experience with or willingness to learn web content management software, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign is expected.

Minimum Experience

• Four (4) years of directly relevant experience (post-education) writing and editing various documents and marketing content for websites and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of SMART’s content area (sex offender registration and notification) is highly desired.
• Excellent writing skills and familiarity with AP Style is required; familiarity with GPO and Chicago styles is a plus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field.

This is a hybrid position. Staff are required to be in the office two regularly scheduled days per week, including Thursdays for weekly in-person staff meetings.

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