Writer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Employment with ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical research into accessible, accurate narratives.
• Understand trends in applied research, national security, higher education, and/or science communication.
• Be comfortable working with sensitive or technical subject matter and navigating appropriate review processes.
• Have experience developing and executing strategic communications plans.
• Be familiar with/have knowledge of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar platforms.
• Be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Possess outstanding interpersonal, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration and relationship building skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Be proactive and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic planning to promote Penn State’s applied research and national security research strengths, with a particular emphasis on ARL and NSI.
• Build trusted relationships with ARL, NSI, and unit leadership to understand research priorities, sponsor expectations, and institutional goals.
• Develop and implement integrated communications plans that support reputation building and stakeholder engagement, using multichannel approaches (i.e., news stories, feature articles, multimedia, social media, executive messaging).
• Lead the promotion of peer-reviewed and sponsor-funded research, translating technically complex work into clear, accurate, and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Position faculty experts and research leaders in appropriate national conversations, including media, policy, and industry forums, while navigating sensitivities related to national security research.
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure communications align with federal sponsor requirements, export control considerations, and institutional policies.
• Identify opportunities to highlight the real-world impact of applied research, including technology development, partnerships, and workforce contributions.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional and national media outlets, as appropriate.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews in collaboration with Strategic Communications leadership.
• Experiment with innovative storytelling formats and evaluate performance metrics to refine communications strategies.
• Review and edit research-related stories written by communicators across the University to ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency.
• Develop reports and briefings for leadership that highlight communications outcomes and impact.
• Mentor junior writers and provide guidance to unit communicators on best practices in research and science storytelling.
• Contribute to University-wide initiatives, including research impact campaigns and leadership communications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children