Responsibilities

• The writer is tasked with a variety of deliverables, including but not limited to feature stories/blogs, talking points/speeches, news releases, media advisories, articles for external publication, newsletters, copy for advertisements/brochures, online content for web pages and social media, award entries, presentations, and internal communications copy.
• The writer generates compelling copy, working both independently and collaboratively as part of a five-member content team.
• They are tasked with balancing multiple writing assignments at the same time, each with varying deadlines and degrees of involvement from others.
• They may write about the same topic numerous times while adapting the messaging to the appropriate medium and the strategy.
• This process includes routine government materials that are produced regularly.
• This is a creative writing position with opportunities to transform “government speak” into narrative storytelling.
• The writer may be asked to assist with preparing communications campaigns, write video scripts, help produce podcasts, and make occasional on-camera appearances.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, English, mass communications, marketing or related field; three years of experience writing speeches, remarks, articles and a wide variety of other written copy for an organization; or a combination of training and experience.
• Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• Have excellent writing skills
• Have the ability to write in a conversational tone and adapt content to the audience and the event
• Have excellent knowledge of grammar and AP Style
• Have experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Have knowledge of various social media platforms
• Have excellent customer-service skills
• Be able to meet deadlines while juggling multiple assignments

Preferred

• Experience writing a blog
• Experience working on a podcast
• Experience creating a newsletter
• Experience in government