Writing and Editorial Leadership • Lead the development, writing, and editing of high-quality communications products supporting NSF programs, policies, and research initiatives. • Produce written materials including articles, fact sheets, press releases, web content, policy summaries, blogs, and reports addressing topics of stakeholder interest. • Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences including policymakers, researchers, educators, media, and the public. • Ensure all written materials maintain high standards of clarity, accuracy, readability, and editorial consistency. Project Management and Content Delivery • Manage complex writing and communications projects from initiation through completion , ensuring delivery on schedule and in accordance with project requirements. • Coordinate editorial workflows, task assignments, and production schedules across writing and communications teams. • Monitor project progress, identify potential risks or bottlenecks, and implement solutions to ensure timely delivery of communications products. • Track deliverables, manage revisions, and maintain version control for written products across multiple platforms and stakeholders. Research, Analysis, and Fact Verification • Conduct research and gather information from internal and external sources to support accurate communications products. • Interview scientists, researchers, program officers, and subject-matter experts to ensure technical accuracy and completeness of written materials. • Perform rigorous fact-checking and validation of data, research findings, and policy information included in communications products. Strategic Communications Support • Contribute to the development and execution of communications strategies and messaging plans supporting NSF priorities and initiatives. • Support leadership and program offices by developing written content that communicates the impact of federally funded scientific research and innovation. • Ensure messaging is tailored appropriately for varied audiences including Congress, academic stakeholders, industry partners, and the general public. Digital and Web Content Development • Develop written content for digital platforms including websites, blogs, online publications, and other digital channels. • Collaborate with digital communications teams to optimize written content for web audiences and improve discoverability. • Apply search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) principles where appropriate. Editorial Standards and Compliance • Ensure all written products comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010 , federal communication standards, and accessibility requirements. • Ensure adherence to Section 508 accessibility standards and other federal communications requirements. • Maintain compliance with AP Style, NSF style guidance, and organizational editorial standards. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement • Collaborate with NSF communications staff, program officials, researchers, and subject-matter experts to develop accurate and impactful content. • Coordinate with internal teams supporting multimedia, digital platforms, and communications strategy to ensure consistent messaging across channels. • Provide editorial guidance and mentoring to other writers and communications staff when required. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related disciplines: • Journalism • Communications • English • Public Affairs • Science Communication • Scientific or Technical Field Experience • Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience . • Minimum 3 years of experience writing about scientific or technological topics . • Demonstrated experience managing complex writing or communications projects from initiation to completion. • Experience producing both short-form and long-form communications products including press releases, articles, reports, blogs, and web content. • Experience conducting research and fact-checking through written sources and interviews with subject-matter experts. Technical Skills • Advanced writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics clearly. • Strong project management and organizational skills. • Proficiency in AP Style , plain language writing, and editorial standards. • Familiarity with federal communications requirements including the Plain Writing Act and Section 508 accessibility compliance . • Knowledge of SEO and AEO principles for digital content. Preferred Qualifications • Experience supporting federal agencies, research institutions, or science-focused organizations . • Experience writing communications materials for science policy or federally funded research programs . • Experience managing editorial workflows within multi-disciplinary communications teams. • Familiarity with federal digital platforms and content management environments. Key Skills • Science and technical communication • Editorial leadership and quality assurance • Project management for communications initiatives • Strategic messaging and content planning • Research and fact-checking • Plain language writing • Digital content development • Stakeholder coordination
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