Axyde Analytics, LLC is recruiting a Journalist / Feature Writer for a proposed contractor team supporting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This is an award-contingent opportunity, not an awarded position or a federal civilian appointment.
Assignment and work arrangements- Full-time, onsite at 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20889; not a remote role.
- Anticipated contract start: December 1, 2026, subject to award and onboarding. Base period ends November 30, 2027, with two potential one-year options; continued employment is not guaranteed.
- Normal work is Monday-Friday. Occasional support outside normal hours may be needed for contingency activations or exercises.
- Ability to complete required background screening, installation/network access and CAC onboarding, and mandatory government training. The Government Q&A states that Secret clearance is not required.
- Follow applicable privacy, HIPAA/PHI, records, security and government review/release procedures. Do not provide patient information, classified material, proprietary files or other unauthorized work samples.
- Current incumbent personnel and other qualified applicants are welcome. Participation in proposal preparation does not guarantee employment.
Responsibilities- Content Strategy & Project Management: Develop and manage a strategic editorial calendar for all print and long-form digital publications. Act as the project lead for all feature stories, from initial pitch and research through interviews, writing, photo/video coordination, layout, and final publication.
- Investigative Storytelling: Proactively identify and develop story ideas that align with strategic communication objectives, focusing on clinical advancements, groundbreaking research, patient success stories, and staff achievements.
- In-Depth Reporting: Conduct thorough, sensitive, and insightful interviews with medical staff, patients, families, and subject matter experts to gather the information and emotional depth required for compelling narratives.
- Multimedia Collaboration: Work in tandem with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to produce visually stunning, cohesive, and impactful multimedia story packages.
- Craft messaging for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency with organizational goals.
- Monitor media coverage and provide analysis on the effectiveness of public affairs campaigns.
- Plan and execute events, such as press conferences, media briefings, and community engagement activities.
- Support leadership with crisis communication strategies and plans.
- Stakeholder & Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal SMEs to ensure a steady flow of story leads, and with external media contacts to pitch and place stories when appropriate.
- Compile weekly external communication reports. Submit products to the PAO for review prior to posting on the website and/or intranet.
- Generate editorial ideas for articles and discuss/refine ideas with lead PAO.
- Meet daily and weekly deadlines and ADHOC suspense to support the mission.
- Develop news-pegs, angles, and balanced articles from multiple-sources including interviews with market staff members, military and civilian, patients, and visitors for news releases, feature stories and special publications.
- Schedule interviews with Subject-Matter Experts, working closing with other PAO offices with the approval from the Government Lead.
- Write, rewrite, and edit copy based on AP Style, using active sentences, traditional leads, bridges, transitions, and news format.
- Assist Visitors and numerous callers, Take Media Queries, Coordinate/Moderate Press Interviews, Arrange Media Visits Moderate Press Interviews, generate 2-3 editorial ideas a month, deliver social media post week or as needed based upon the mission. Assist an average of 10 callers per day, Assist with 4 DV visits per month: Updated Website and Social Media sites several times a day. Distribute an average of 2 communications reports weekly.
- Formulates strategies for major issues, management and coordinates messages and theme development for the Market office that are executed through the MTFs. Provides strategic counsel to the senior leaders of and the Market MTFs.
- Develop speeches and briefings to effectively communicate key themes and messages to a wide range of audiences. Coordinates on public website content to support the MHS/DHA communication objectives.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field.
- 5+ years of proven experience in journalism or professional writing, supported by a strong portfolio of published articles that demonstrate exceptional skills in interviewing, narrative storytelling, and long-form writing.
- Proven experience in healthcare communications, Military public affairs, or a similar regulated, high-visibility environment.
- A thorough understanding of and ability to rigorously apply the principles of safeguarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Protected Health Information (PHI), especially when interviewing patients.
- Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to manage an editorial calendar, develop content strategies, and see multiple stories through to completion simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with interview subjects from all walks of life, including patients, families, senior leaders, and world-renowned medical experts.
Application evidence- Provide three published articles demonstrating interviews, long-form narrative and accurate reporting; identify your authorship.
- Describe a sensitive patient/family or comparable interview and how you handled privacy and approvals.
- Explain how you manage multiple stories, deadlines and coordination with photo/video teams.
- Submit a current resume with dates, relevant education and experience, onsite availability in Bethesda, earliest start date and notice period. Use only samples you are authorized to share.
- Please state whether you would permit Axyde to identify you in this proposal, subject to separate agreement on role, compensation and availability. Applying alone does not authorize use of your name or resume in a government submission.
Compensation and benefitsAnnual W-2 base salary: $86,400-$129,600 per year. Placement within the range depends on relevant qualifications and experience. Employment and compensation are contingent on contract award, funding and an authorized start.
Anticipated benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage options with employer contributions; a 401(k) employer match of up to 4% of compensation when you contribute at least 6%; 40 hours of paid sick leave annually; group life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage; short- and long-term disability coverage; and employee assistance and telemedicine services. Health savings account participation may be available with qualifying medical coverage. Benefits are subject to final plan availability, eligibility and governing terms. Axyde will provide the final package before employment begins; if it differs materially, you may decline to commence employment without penalty. Applicable statutory and contract-required leave and benefits will be honored. No bonus or commission is offered for these positions.
