Writer

AKOYA•Washington, DC

2d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Writer will support our clients at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by producing clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate content across a wide range of formats — including web content, fact sheets, reports, briefing memos, news releases, technical publications, and responses to public inquiries. This role translates complex technical and policy material into plain language that resonates with general audiences, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. The writer collaborates with subject matter experts, program offices, and communications colleagues to gather source material, verify accuracy, and ensure messaging aligns with office priorities and DOE-wide strategic objectives. Working on quick-turnaround deadlines, the writer delivers polished products that meet federal editorial standards and support the client’s mission. This role will be part of an Akoya communications team reporting to a contract manager. It is ideal for a communications professional with exceptional writing skills who is comfortable working alongside government leaders in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public affairs, or a relevant field.
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in writing, editing, or strategic communications. (A master’s degree and 5 years of professional experience can substitute for bachelor’s degree and 7 years.)
Demonstrated experience writing and editing for a range of formats and audiences, including web, print, and executive-level materials.
Experience translating technical or policy content into plain language for general audiences.
Strong command of AP style and the ability to apply and maintain organizational style guides.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and PowerPoint, and familiarity with content management systems.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent deliverables under deadline in a client-facing environment.
U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level.

Nice To Haves

At least two years supporting federal government clients or working within a government agency.
Experience supporting the Department of Energy, a National Laboratory, or another federal science or energy agency.
Familiarity with the energy sector — energy technologies, grid modernization, energy security, or related policy areas.
Experience writing for senior government officials, including speeches, testimony, or op-eds.
Experience coordinating across teams and external partners on a single publication or initiative.

Responsibilities

Research, draft, and edit web content, fact sheets, reports, studies, briefing memos, presentations, and responses to public inquiries on behalf of the client.
Write and edit news releases, functional descriptions, guidance documents, special reports, technical publications, and materials supporting technology transfer.
Translate complex technical and policy content into clear, plain-language writing tailored to specific audiences.
Collaborate with subject matter experts and program offices to gather information and ensure messaging is accurate, timely, and strategically aligned.
Draft speeches, talking points, testimonies, and presentations for individuals in leadership positions.
Serve as a content editor for reports, web articles, and press releases, ensuring consistency in voice, style, and quality.
Prepare summaries of conference, exhibit, and workshop activities for internal and external distribution.
Support publication development across multiple contributors, including content structure for websites and print and online publications.
Meet regularly with client management to discern needs and deliver products on quick turnaround with a limited number of revisions.
Apply federal editorial standards, plain-language requirements, and accessibility guidelines (Section 508) to all written products.