Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communication Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)'s mission is to improve homeland security by working with partners (department components, other government agencies, State, local, tribal, and territorial emergency responders and officials) to provide state-of-the-art solutions and/or technology that help them achieve their missions.

The Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communications Specialist will assist in the gathering, analysis, and composition of complex technical information. This includes conducting research and ensuring the proper use technical terminology. The Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communications Specialist will be experienced in translation of technical information into clear, readable documents to be used by technical and non-technical personnel. The Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communications Specialist will organize material and write descriptive copy and select appropriate images to illustrate written material. The position requires someone who can develop communication materials for publications, internet, strategic initiatives, user manuals, training materials, reports, etc. The Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communications Specialist will provide technical writing support and review documents for technical accuracy. In addition, the Senior Technical Writer/Editor/Communications Specialist will support content curation and management on networks and web platforms.

Qualifications

A. Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience.

B. Secret clearance.

C. Extensive technical writing experience in the development of communications plans, project plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, strategic communications, publications, etc.

D. Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including exceptional public speaking and facilitation skills.

E. Extensive stakeholder engagement experience, including social media platforms.

F. Specializes in preparing strategic communications, editing and formatting communications and reports for publication, with exceptional attention to detail, consistency, and purpose.

G. Demonstrated ability to technically edit reports and client deliverables.

H. Ability to coordinate activities on behalf of clients with others within the organization and with external partners and stakeholders.

I. Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.

J. Must be highly organized with an exceptional attention to detail.

K. Must be able to navigate challenging office environments and be diplomatic in all interactions.

L. Knowledge of various writing styles such as Associated Press and plain language.

M. Comfortable interacting with senior leadership and track record of successful executive level consultation.

N. Present plans, technology projects, and briefing materials to stakeholders, team members, and senior-level officials in a thoughtful and coherent manner.

O. High level of customer service skills and attention to detail and accuracy.

P. Understanding of business and technology terminology and concepts.

Q. Identify and propose specific strategies, initiatives, and remedies to align technology infrastructure with requirements and mission of the DHS S&T Directorate.

R. Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects/tasks in a high pressure, time sensitive environment.

S. Able to think strategically and creatively.

A. Current DHS Suitability or be eligible to obtain DHS EOD Suitability.

B. Experience with and working knowledge of emergency management/first responder engagement.

C. Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams.

D. 3-5 years of Program/Project Management experience.

E. Ability to adapt and solve problems creatively and collaboratively.

F. Experience with website development a plus.

G. Experience with collaboration site, functions and utilities on applications (e.g. SharePoint 2013 (or later versions, Office 365, etc.).

Additional Information

• No more than 8 – two day trips per year

• Ability to obtain Federal Public Trust/Suitability/Secret Clearance
• US Citizenship required