Technical Writer / Communications Specialist

Title: Communication Specialist/Technical Writer Duration: Full Time Permanent Location: 100% Onsite Bethesda, MD RESPONSIBILITIES: The contractor shall provide technical review of Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents, data, protocols, reports, methods, specifications, presentations, abstracts, manuscripts, posters and other communication products for compliance with Army, Navy, DOD, and Federal regulatory requirements. Review, revise, and critique submitted manuscripts/research for factual correctness, completeness, and military medical release to internal and external audiences. Maintain electronic records of protocol and non-protocol publications submitted to the Public Affairs Office (PAO) Supports the Department Service Chief as needed with updates on research. Develop/maintain Standard Operating Procedures for IRB submissions for the PAO. Continuously audit/monitor application and review process to detect undesirable trends or opportunities for improvements related to quality and/or efficiency. Conduct media interviews with subject matter experts, staff, and patients after all the proper clearance procedures have been followed. Write, edit and revise specialty clinic and other Medical Center publications. Develop various products including articles, with appropriate photographs for social media and the intranet. In addition, escort Distinguished Visitors (DV) during information gathering tours. Submit products to the PAO for review prior to posting on the website and/or intranet. Write and develop articles as requested to include supporting photographs and/or graphics by Friday at noon two weeks prior to publication unless event falls within the date week. If event falls within the date week, provide skeleton of story the week before the event with edits due before the date week of when the event happens. Documents shall be reviewed and approved by the Government prior to publication. Ensure all articles are factually accurate, appropriate, and topical and conform to standard journalistic style and PAO standards; ensure each article and graphic is spell-checked and developed in accordance with the Associated Press Stylebook. Ensure each photograph is of professional quality and submitted according to receiving publication's guidelines (e.g. electronically, black-and-white, etc.). Support the Command's Internal and External Strategic Communication efforts and accomplishments to local, military, and national media. Peer review, revise, and critique submitted manuscripts for factual correctness, completeness, and military medical release. QUALIFICATIONS Working knowledge of the Federal, DoD regulations and policies on Public Health Practice, research with human subjects, and private and protected health information to ensure compliance with regulations. Shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand English well enough to effectively communicate with customers. Shall be knowledgeable of equipment and supply terminology and skill sufficient to identify and use necessary equipment and supplies properly. Be a U.S citizen. A Bachelor of Art Degree (BA) in Journalism with either: a minimum of 2-3 years' experience or proof of Technical Writing skills or Life Science Degree either BA or Bachelor of Science. Must possess a professional capability to conduct research and to write, evaluate and edit the English language effectively. The position also requires a professional knowledge of and familiarity with the basic newspaper production cycle, including the interrelated roles and contributions of copy, social media urgencies, photography, lexicography, and printing to the finished product. The contractor must possess the skills to evaluate, organize, and maintain a range of newspaper and photographic files. Knowledge of principles, methods, practices and techniques of strategic communication, by selecting and using the appropriate communication tools, in order to assist in facilitating and implementing a command information program which targets an assortment of audiences at varying levels of interaction. Knowledge and skill for developing written, oral, and social media materials designed to convey complex information and clarify the organization's operations, programs, and activities to various audiences. Skill in developing and maintaining effective and cooperative relationships with representatives at all levels from organizations and activities on and off the installation. Skill in oral communication sufficient for conducting one-on-one and group interviews, in addition to explaining views, goals and objectives to supervisors, staff, subordinates and contractors. Knowledge of and training in various Microsoft software programs, such as Access, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to display great tact and diplomacy both in person and on the telephone. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.