Senior Writer–Project Manager

Writing and Editorial Leadership

• Lead the development, writing, and editing of high-quality communications products supporting NSF programs, policies, and research initiatives.
• Produce written materials including articles, fact sheets, press releases, web content, policy summaries, blogs, and reports addressing topics of stakeholder interest.
• Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences including policymakers, researchers, educators, media, and the public.
• Ensure all written materials maintain high standards of clarity, accuracy, readability, and editorial consistency.

Project Management and Content Delivery

• Manage complex writing and communications projects from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery on schedule and in accordance with project requirements.
• Coordinate editorial workflows, task assignments, and production schedules across writing and communications teams.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks or bottlenecks, and implement solutions to ensure timely delivery of communications products.
• Track deliverables, manage revisions, and maintain version control for written products across multiple platforms and stakeholders.

Research, Analysis, and Fact Verification

• Conduct research and gather information from internal and external sources to support accurate communications products.
• Interview scientists, researchers, program officers, and subject-matter experts to ensure technical accuracy and completeness of written materials.
• Perform rigorous fact-checking and validation of data, research findings, and policy information included in communications products.

Strategic Communications Support

• Contribute to the development and execution of communications strategies and messaging plans supporting NSF priorities and initiatives.
• Support leadership and program offices by developing written content that communicates the impact of federally funded scientific research and innovation.
• Ensure messaging is tailored appropriately for varied audiences including Congress, academic stakeholders, industry partners, and the general public.

Digital and Web Content Development

• Develop written content for digital platforms including websites, blogs, online publications, and other digital channels.
• Collaborate with digital communications teams to optimize written content for web audiences and improve discoverability.
• Apply search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) principles where appropriate.

Editorial Standards and Compliance

• Ensure all written products comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010, federal communication standards, and accessibility requirements.
• Ensure adherence to Section 508 accessibility standards and other federal communications requirements.
• Maintain compliance with AP Style, NSF style guidance, and organizational editorial standards.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with NSF communications staff, program officials, researchers, and subject-matter experts to develop accurate and impactful content.
• Coordinate with internal teams supporting multimedia, digital platforms, and communications strategy to ensure consistent messaging across channels.
• Provide editorial guidance and mentoring to other writers and communications staff when required.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related disciplines:

• Journalism
• Communications
• English
• Public Affairs
• Science Communication
• Scientific or Technical Field

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience writing about scientific or technological topics.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex writing or communications projects from initiation to completion.
• Experience producing both short-form and long-form communications products including press releases, articles, reports, blogs, and web content.
• Experience conducting research and fact-checking through written sources and interviews with subject-matter experts.

Technical Skills

• Advanced writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics clearly.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in AP Style, plain language writing, and editorial standards.
• Familiarity with federal communications requirements including the Plain Writing Act and Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Knowledge of SEO and AEO principles for digital content.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal agencies, research institutions, or science-focused organizations.
• Experience writing communications materials for science policy or federally funded research programs.
• Experience managing editorial workflows within multi-disciplinary communications teams.
• Familiarity with federal digital platforms and content management environments.

Key Skills

• Science and technical communication
• Editorial leadership and quality assurance
• Project management for communications initiatives
• Strategic messaging and content planning
• Research and fact-checking
• Plain language writing
• Digital content development
• Stakeholder coordination