Writer and Author Print Journalism

MIRACORP INC•Bethesda, MD

3d•$50,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

MIRACORP is seeking a journalist to create compelling stories about innovation, compassion, and service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The role manages editorial projects from concept through publication, producing long-form content for print and digital platforms and supporting a proactive news-gathering operation. This position is contingent upon contract award. The writer researches, writes, edits, and produces articles, feature stories, press releases, speeches, briefings, and other communications about medical advancements, research, patient experiences, organizational initiatives, and staff achievements. The position develops stories through interviews and source verification, plans editorial calendars and publication projects, and coordinates with public affairs staff, leadership, subject matter experts, media representatives, and multimedia professionals. The role also supports public affairs and strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and digital content. Published materials must follow AP Style, organizational standards, applicable military regulations, and HIPAA/PHI safeguards. The writer coordinates required Public Affairs Officer reviews and approvals and monitors media coverage and prepares communication reports.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Ability to pass a federal background check.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.
At least five years of professional experience in journalism, news reporting, feature writing, or public affairs, supported by a portfolio demonstrating investigative reporting, interviewing, and long-form storytelling.
Experience developing editorial content—including news articles, feature stories, press releases, speeches, and briefings—for print and digital publications.
Experience in healthcare communications, military public affairs, government, or a similarly regulated, high-visibility environment.
Advanced knowledge of AP Style, journalistic standards, newswriting techniques, and editorial practices.
Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, research complex subjects, verify information from multiple sources, and translate technical or medical information into accessible content.
Knowledge of HIPAA requirements, PHI safeguards, patient consent considerations, and applicable privacy and confidentiality regulations.
Experience managing editorial calendars and multiple publication projects, overseeing content from concept through final approval.
Familiarity with media relations, public affairs operations, crisis communications, and organizational messaging strategies.
Experience developing and managing website, intranet, and social media content, including coordination of multimedia materials.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with the Defense Health Agency.

Responsibilities

Research, write, edit, and produce news articles, feature stories, press releases, speeches, briefings, and other print and digital communications.
Identify and develop newsworthy stories; conduct in-depth interviews; verify information through multiple sources; and create accurate, balanced content consistent with AP Style.
Develop and maintain editorial calendars, generate story concepts, and manage publications from research through final production, coordinating interviews, multimedia resources, revisions, and deadlines.
Develop messaging and communication materials aligned with organizational priorities, support leadership and crisis communications, and contribute to public affairs strategies.
Coordinate with public affairs personnel, subject matter experts, leadership, and external media representatives to facilitate interviews, respond to media inquiries, arrange media visits, and support press conferences, briefings, and community engagement activities.
Collaborate with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers on integrated communication materials; prepare, update, and coordinate content for websites, intranet platforms, and social media channels.
Ensure published materials comply with AP Style, organizational standards, applicable military regulations, and HIPAA/PHI safeguards.
Monitor media coverage, prepare communication reports, and coordinate required PAO reviews and approvals before publication.