Sr. Technical Writer/Editor

MDW Associates•Alexandria, VA

2d•$110,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

MDW Associates is seeking a Sr. Technical Writer/Editor to support the Office of the Secretary of War Research & Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) in Alexandria, Virginia. The role is fully on-site and calls for a self-starter who can work as an integrated team member to achieve mission objectives. The position provides expert research, writing, editing, and multimedia communication support. It develops clear, compelling, and visually engaging products for senior-level audiences, including speeches, presentations, reports, formal briefs, PowerPoint decks, multimedia content, blogs, videos, articles, op-eds, and social media posts. The writer/editor researches emerging technical issues, trends, and organizational priorities and translates complex subject matter into plain-English narratives for senior leaders, interagency partners, Congress, and public-facing audiences. The role collaborates with clients and senior officials to refine messaging, review drafts, develop talking points, and plan communication strategies. It manages content from initial research through final production, coordinates speaking engagements and presentation logistics, and ensures products align with OUSD(R&E) strategic communications plans and DoD public affairs and communication guidelines. The position also coordinates with workflow managers, technical subject-matter experts, and front office staff to integrate content and maintain alignment with enterprise priorities. All written and multimedia materials must meet DoD standards for accuracy, grammar, format, and quality, including delivery under tight deadlines in a fast-paced senior executive environment.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or journalism, including experience in high-tempo, senior-level DoD or Service Headquarters environments.
Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially expert-level PowerPoint presentation design, document formatting, and multimedia integration.
Ability to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly for senior leaders.
Ability to manage multiple projects independently and prioritize effectively.
Experience developing and executing social media communication strategies.
Ability to communicate complex technical topics in plain English for multiple audiences.
Strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree.
Experience supporting communications for a technical or research organization.
Experience developing multi-format content aligned with senior-level DoD strategic messaging.
Experience coordinating with senior officials and front offices in fast-paced operational environments.

Responsibilities

Provide research, writing, editing, and multimedia communication support.
Develop speeches, presentations, reports, briefs, PowerPoint decks, multimedia content, blogs, videos, articles, op-eds, and social media posts.
Research technical issues, trends, and organizational priorities and translate complex subjects into clear, plain-English narratives for varied audiences.
Tailor communications to government executives, internal personnel, industry, academia, media, and public stakeholders, aligning messaging with OUSD(R&E) strategic communications plans.
Collaborate with clients and senior officials to refine messaging, review drafts, develop talking points, and plan communication strategies.
Create visually engaging multimedia products incorporating graphics, video elements, templates, charts, and other digital tools.
Manage content development from initial research through final production; track issues, coordinate speaking engagements, and oversee presentation logistics and materials.
Develop social media content and communication strategies consistent with DoD public affairs and OUSD(R&E) communication guidelines.
Ensure written and multimedia materials meet DoD accuracy, grammar, format, and quality standards and deliver polished products under tight deadlines.
Coordinate with workflow managers, technical subject-matter experts, and front office staff to integrate content and align with enterprise priorities.