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Speech Writer - National Science Foundation
We're seeking outside-the-box thinkers who are technically skilled and customer focused. Are you excited about joining a team that values growth, collaboration, and excellence? Join us as we expand our team!
WORK WITH THE BRIGHTEST
Join our quickly growing team of talented, diverse, and driven professionals. Our people are the heart and soul of our organization. Each valued team member brings unique skills and expertise to the table, making this an exciting, dynamic place to work.
Role Summary
s a Speech Writer for the National Science Foundation, your primary mission is to transform complex, technical information into compelling stories and clear messages that resonate with a wide range of audiences. This means:
Primary Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Deliverables
Location & Hours
Primarily at the headquarters in Alexandria, VA; availability for nights/weekends.
Performance Measures
We're hiring
Speech Writer - National Science Foundation
We're seeking outside-the-box thinkers who are technically skilled and customer focused. Are you excited about joining a team that values growth, collaboration, and excellence? Join us as we expand our team!
WORK WITH THE BRIGHTEST
Join our quickly growing team of talented, diverse, and driven professionals. Our people are the heart and soul of our organization. Each valued team member brings unique skills and expertise to the table, making this an exciting, dynamic place to work.
Role Summary
s a Speech Writer for the National Science Foundation, your primary mission is to transform complex, technical information into compelling stories and clear messages that resonate with a wide range of audiences. This means:
- Crafting Speeches & Presentations: You will write speeches, congressional testimony, talking points, and leadership presentations that not only inform but also inspire and persuade. Your work will help leaders communicate the agency's mission, achievements, and priorities to Congress, scientific organizations, and the public.
- Tailoring Content for the Audience: Every speech or presentation is customized for its audience-whether it's lawmakers, scientists, or community stakeholders. You'll ensure that technical details are explained in plain language, making them accessible and engaging for non-experts.
- Translating Technical Content: You'll take briefings, program summaries, and research findings-often filled with jargon and complex data-and distill them into clear, memorable narratives. Your goal is to make the science and policy understandable and relevant, highlighting its impact and importance.
- Supporting Leadership: Your writing will equip the Director and senior leaders with the tools they need to advocate for the agency, respond to questions, and represent its interests in high-profile settings.
- Driving Engagement: Through your work, you'll help build trust and understanding between the agency and its stakeholders, ensuring that key messages are communicated effectively and leave a lasting impression.
Primary Responsibilities
- Draft and revise speeches, testimonies, remarks, and talking points for the Director and senior leadership.
- Synthesize technical briefings, program summaries, and research findings into clear messages aligned with agency priorities.
- Coordinate with program subject-matter experts (SMEs), Government Affairs, and Legal for accuracy and clearance.
- Create annotated speaking notes and Q&A decks to support engagements.
- Support rapid-response needs outside normal hours when events or inquiries arise.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy, English, Science Communication, o r related field:
You have completed undergraduate studies in a discipline that emphasizes strong writing, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. - 5+ years professional speechwriting or senior communications experience with complex technical content:
You bring a proven track record of crafting speeches or high-level communications, especially in environments where you must translate intricate scientific or policy information for diverse audiences. - Mastery of AP style and Plain Language standards:
You are highly skilled in applying the Associated Press style guide and Plain Language principles, ensuring all written materials are clear, concise, and accessible to non-experts. - Proven ability to synthesize technical material for congressional and executive audiences:
You excel at distilling complex research, policy, or scientific findings into compelling narratives tailored for decision-makers, such as members of Congress or senior executives. - Excellent audio/visual briefing and PowerPoint skills:
You are adept at creating engaging presentations and briefings, using tools like PowerPoint to visually support and enhance your spoken or written content.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with federal agencies or congressional offices; knowledge of science policy a plus.
- dvanced degree in a STEM field or science communication.
Deliverables
- Draft Speeches:
Prepare initial versions of speeches for the Director and senior leadership, tailored to specific audiences and occasions. These drafts incorporate agency priorities, technical content, and messaging goals, and are designed to be clear, persuasive, and engaging. - Final Approved Scripts:
Refine and finalize speech texts after review and feedback from stakeholders, ensuring all content meets agency standards, passes clearance, and is ready for delivery at official events, hearings, or public engagements. - Talking-Point Memoranda:
Develop concise, bullet-point summaries of key messages and arguments for use in meetings, briefings, or interviews. These memoranda help leadership stay focused on core themes and respond effectively to questions. - Q&A Sets:
Create comprehensive lists of anticipated questions and recommended answers for leadership to use during congressional testimony, media interviews, or stakeholder engagements. These sets are informed by technical briefings and policy priorities. - nnotated Briefing Briefs:
Produce detailed briefing documents that include background information, annotated notes, and context for each engagement. These briefs support leadership in understanding the technical and policy landscape, and provide guidance for effective communication.
Location & Hours
Primarily at the headquarters in Alexandria, VA; availability for nights/weekends.
Performance Measures
- Timeliness:
Consistently delivers speeches, presentations, and supporting materials within established deadlines, ensuring leadership is fully prepared for all engagements and events. - Stakeholder Satisfaction:
Receives positive feedback from agency leadership and program offices regarding the clarity, relevance, and impact of written materials; demonstrates responsiveness to stakeholder needs and preferences. - Clearance Error Rate:
Maintains a low rate of errors or required corrections during the internal review and clearance process, reflecting attention to detail and adherence to agency standards. - Uptake and Use in External Engagements:
Written materials are regularly adopted and utilized by leadership in congressional hearings, public events, and external communications, demonstrating their effectiveness and value.