Description
Job Description:
Leidos is seeking a Speechwriter / Writer-Editor to support our customer, the Office of Communications (OCOM) for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Speechwriter / Writer-Editor develops speeches and talking points primarily for the OJP Assistant Attorney General, and as needed for other staff within the Office of the Assistant Attorney General (OAAG) and DOJ leadership.
The ideal candidate will be an exceptional writer and editor who will serve as part of a vibrant communications team. Assignments for this position include writing brief remarks, long-form speeches, talking points, op-eds, congressional testimony, blogs, and other communications on a range of criminal justice topics. A strong candidate will be a superlative expository, persuasive, descriptive and narrative writer, be able to quickly identify and synthesize key points, have excellent research skills, pay keen attention to detail, and be highly adaptable.
The Speechwriter / Writer-Editor should have a powerful command of writing for the spoken word and will also be a keen student of character and voice, with the ability to pay specific attention to the personal tone, language, and argumentative structure of the leaders for whom they are writing. OCOM is looking for a creative storyteller with a keen perception of audience and the ability to identify details that will make messages relevant and relatable.
The Speechwriter / Writer-Editor will have the ability to write and edit a range of materials and possess a comprehensive knowledge of English syntax and composition, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, usage, and vocabulary. An exceptional candidate will have the ability to edit material for clarity, coherence, and rational development of ideas, tailoring it to meet the needs of the intended audience.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop speeches and talking points primarily for the OJP Assistant Attorney General, and as needed for other staff within the Office of the Assistant Attorney General (OAAG) and DOJ leadership.
Write brief remarks, long-form speeches, talking points, op-eds, congressional testimony, blogs, and other communications on a range of criminal justice topics.
Provide ad hoc writing and editorial support for OJP internal and external communications, as needed.
Assist OCOM staff with researching and writing creative communication products, sometimes on complex and controversial subjects.
Work closely with subject matter experts to draft, review, and revise content for OJP communications/messaging.
Write and edit a variety of documents and digital content related to criminal justice topics.
Translate text into plain language for use by non-technical lay audiences.
Copyedit and proofread content to ensure accuracy and grammatical correctness.
Attend staff meetings, strategic planning and policy meetings, and other ad hoc meetings with OCOM staff and OJP senior leadership.
Basic Qualifications
Five years of directly relevant work history as a speechwriter and writer-editor. Excellent storytelling and oral/written communication skills are necessary.
Bachelor’s Degree in English, writing, journalism or related field.
Some travel may be expected, and occasional attendance at OJP onsite meetings may be required. The OCOM Office is located at 810 Seventh St. NW, Washington, DC.
Candidates will have or be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and complete writing assignments on tight deadlines.
Adept at handling priority and evolving requests, while maintaining the high quality of the content produced.
Background in and knowledge of criminal justice topics is preferred, but not required.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $91,000.00 - $122,850.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
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About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
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