Writer and Author (Print Journalism)

Aptive•Bethesda, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Artemis is seeking a full-time Writer and Author (Print Journalism) to capture and share stories of innovation, compassion, and service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). The role manages editorial projects from concept through publication and creates long-form content for print and digital platforms while supporting a proactive news-gathering operation for the Public Affairs Office (PAO). The successful candidate is an inquisitive, skilled journalist and a self-starter, proactive problem solver, and action-oriented team player with relevant journalism, professional writing, or public affairs experience in a federal, military, or healthcare environment. Superior service, composure under pressure, and a positive, flexible attitude are required. This is a contingent hire position. Offers are contingent upon client approval and the ability to meet security requirements. The position requires onsite work in Bethesda, Maryland.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field.
At least 5 years of proven experience in journalism or professional writing.
Portfolio of published articles demonstrating strong interviewing, narrative storytelling, and long-form writing skills.
Experience in healthcare communications, military public affairs, or a similar regulated, high-visibility environment.
Thorough understanding of and ability to rigorously apply HIPAA and PHI safeguarding principles, especially when interviewing patients.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage an editorial calendar, develop content strategies, and complete multiple stories simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with patients, families, senior leaders, and medical experts.
Strong command of Associated Press Style.
Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance (Tier II, non-critical sensitive position).
Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Strong critical thinking, analytical, and time-management skills.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and work well with others.
Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and solutions logically in writing and orally.
Ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to receive client feedback and implement changes quickly and effectively.
Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a strategic editorial calendar for print and long-form digital publications, leading feature stories from pitch and research through interviews, writing, photo/video coordination, layout, and publication.
Identify and develop story ideas aligned with strategic communication objectives, including clinical advancements, research, patient success stories, and staff achievements; generate 2–3 editorial ideas monthly and refine them with the lead PAO.
Conduct sensitive, insightful interviews with medical staff, patients, families, and subject matter experts, applying HIPAA and PHI safeguards, particularly when interviewing patients.
Schedule interviews with subject matter experts in coordination with other PAO offices and with Government Lead approval.
Develop news pegs and angles and write balanced news releases, feature stories, and special publications based on multiple sources.
Write, rewrite, and edit copy in Associated Press Style using active sentences, traditional leads, bridges, transitions, and news format.
Collaborate with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to produce multimedia story packages.
Craft messaging for internal and external stakeholders and develop speeches and briefings for varied audiences.
Build relationships with internal subject matter experts to generate story leads and with external media contacts to pitch and place stories when appropriate.
Handle media queries, coordinate and moderate press interviews, arrange media visits, assist visitors and callers, and support Distinguished Visitor visits.
Update website and social media sites several times daily; deliver weekly or as-needed social media posts; and coordinate public website content supporting MHS/DHA communication objectives.
Compile and distribute weekly external communication reports, averaging two reports weekly; submit products to the PAO for review before website or intranet publication.
Monitor media coverage and analyze the effectiveness of public affairs campaigns.
Plan and execute press conferences, media briefings, and community engagement activities; support leadership with crisis communication strategies and plans.
Develop strategies for major issues and coordinate message and theme development for the Market office and its military treatment facilities, providing strategic counsel to senior leaders.
Meet daily, weekly, and ad hoc deadlines and suspenses in support of the mission.