Writer & Editor

Overview

The Writer and Editor identifies and develops compelling stories and other high-quality content to highlight Creative’s programmatic work and advance the goals of the organization. A critical position on the six-person Communications team at Creative’s headquarters, the Writer and Editor works closely with program teams to identify and demonstrate the successes and results of our work among internal and external audiences. This position will focus primarily (but not exclusively) on Creative’s Education Division, including programs in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia and Afghanistan. In addition to sourcing ideas from the program teams, the Writer and Editor will assist project staff with selected communications deliverables.

Reporting & Supervision:

This position is based in the HQ Communications Department and reports to the Senior Director of Communications in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Consistent with the Department’s content marketing strategy and company goals, the Writer and Editor is expected to:
• Deliver quality content – online news and features, magazine pieces and similar content – using a journalistic style that that reflect the scope and results of Creative’s work
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Program Divisions to develop content ideas
• Devise content distribution plans that leverage in-house and external platforms, such as social media, graphics and email newsletters, with other team members
• Provide support to Program colleagues in HQ and the field, including editing success stories that follow USAID guidelines and providing some communications guidance to field counterparts
• Guide the program staff to develop blog topics, edit submissions and post them to the website
• Support the planning and provide editorial support to panel sessions related to your program areas
• Update printed marketing materials, online program descriptions and related materials
• Fulfill administrative duties related to the Communications Department, including processing consulting agreements, invoices and related activities
• As needed, supervise consultants and freelancers, including videographers, video editors and copy editors

• Work on multimedia packages, including preproduction (planning, logistics, consultants, etc.), field production and post-production (script writing, video editor, approvals, etc.)Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, International Relations or a related field

• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in journalism, communications or public relations with a significant portfolio of published material

• Proven writing and editing skills

• Ability to identify content ideas, find interesting angles and tell stories in a compelling, accurate, authentic and respectful way
• Understand how to effectively interview people
• Ability to build relationships and establish rapport with colleagues, both in person and virtually
• Ability to both work independently and contribute to larger team projects
• Excellent English verbal and written communications skills
• Eager to work with a diverse group of colleagues from many countries and backgrounds
• Availability to travel to international field locations in support of communications efforts

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Background in international development or international affairs, preferably in a communications role, is a plus
• Knowledge of AP Style
• Experience planning, coordinating and carrying out video productions, including script writing, interaction with contract videographers and video editors is very helpful;
• Video editing skills are desired, videography and photography skills a plus
• Experience in Abode Creative Suite, including Premiere and Photoshop
• Familiarity with WordPress website management system
• Proficiency in a foreign language, particularly French or Arabic

PI131854965

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