United States of America: Sr. Writer & Editor


POSITION TITLE: Senior Writer & Editor


UNIT: Communications & Public Affairs


GROUP: External Affairs


LOCATION: Arlington, VA


REPORTS TO: Director, Communications & Public Affairs


POSITION SUMMARY:


Winrock International seeks a highly creative, versatile and entrepreneurial writer and storyteller to serve as the Senior Writer and Editor in the Communications & Public Affairs Unit. This role requires writing and editing a wide variety of digital and print material, including: web profiles, Q&A’s, blogs, social media, publications and reports, internal communications, advertising copy, presentations, newsletters and press releases. The individual must demonstrate intellectual curiosity as well as an ability to work with diverse internal and external clients and communicate complex stories in a straightforward, emotionally impactful manner.


This is a challenging and exciting role that requires a dynamic and multi-disciplinary thinker with strong strategic and narrative skills. The Senior Writer and Editor will communicate the Winrock brand, vision and mission through content that supports organizational objectives. The individual should demonstrate a collaborative spirit and a flair for story development that can inspire both expert and general audiences.


The Senior Writer and Editor reports to the Communications Director within the External Affairs Group with primary responsibilities focused on editorial and publication needs. This individual will work closely with Winrock’s new business, communications and programs teams.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:­­



  • Create compelling written content on the wide range of subjects inherent to Winrock’s breadth of work and impact worldwide.




  • Manage story planning for Winrock.org and other internal and external publishing platforms.




  • Manage a heavy daily workflow of written needs.




  • Contribute regularly to social media and web channels.




  • Help lead efforts to transform organizational voice to one that is simple, intelligent and empathetic; seeking out the human stories behind the statistics.




  • Guide, mentor and train less-experienced staff assigned to writing projects.




  • Collaborate with new business unit to source, write and edit content that drives user engagement.




  • Develop copy that increases recognition of Winrock as a leader in international development.




  • Ensure that copy is factually accurate and appropriate for the targeted audience and that it meets project-specific criteria and reflects brand standards in voice and style.



QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:


Education:


  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, literature or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:


  • 7+ years of relevant writing and storytelling experience.

Skills:



  • Interviewing skills: demonstrated ability to both prepare for and connect with subjects, along with the spontaneity to reorient interviews around discovered information.




  • Working knowledge of AP Stylebook and best practices in social media.




  • Strong project management skills with great attention to detail.




  • Proven track record in managing multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines.




  • Penchant for keeping abreast of innovative media approaches that can target our audiences in new and effective ways.




  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and content management software systems. Knowledge of basic graphic design principles and experience with programs like InDesign, InCopy or other design-based programs a plus.




  • Experience writing for public policy-related projects or within the fields of foreign policy and international development also helpful. Applicant must not require sponsorship in order to work in the United States.




  • International development experience a plus.






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