Senior Writer–Project Manager

Agile Business Concepts•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related disciplines: Journalism Communications English Public Affairs Science Communication Scientific or Technical Field
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.