Writer / Editor II-Child Welfare

The Writer / Editor II-Child Welfare is a versatile writer and editor on a highly collaborative, creative team that is committed to supporting project-specific child welfare priorities through the delivery of engaging, high-quality communications products. The Writer / Editor II is a critical thinker who is adept at creating and revising 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 :

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

Proofreading, copyediting, and conducting quality control reviews for new and existing content, performing substantive editing with minimal oversight from supervisor and / or subject matter experts

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

Experience successfully applying writing / editing skills in specific project content area (e.g., child welfare, public health, social science, behavioral health)

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

Competencies :

Ability to write clear and concise 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 :

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

Location : Hybrid telework / onsite at JBS's North Bethesda, MD, headquarters. Fully remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Security Clearance :

Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance (federal government background check).

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.

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 is the Law" 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.