Technical Writer III

Overview:

The Technical Writer III works independently within the scope of the contract to advise management on and oversee the development and publication of security policy manuals, documents, papers, handbooks, position descriptions, and other information. The incumbent uses grammar references and other writing tools, agency and organization policy, department style and format manuals. The incumbent uses judgement in interpreting and adapting guidelines to specific requirements of editorial standards and Department guidelines. The incumbent considers applicable laws and regulations and the overall policies and mission of the agency, bureau and office in deciding what information to present. The incumbent ensures the presentation of information to maximize understanding and minimize controversy among the intended audiences.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Works with management and development team to create basic policy documentation, guides and manuals.
• Edits document drafts to ensure consistency within the document and with parallel language in other related Documents and grammatical accuracy.
• Writes and/or edits documents, program histories, and policies.
• Prepares documents for printing.
• Assists in developing, reviewing, and testing electronic format documents.
• Maintains electronic files of document drafts and final versions.
• Performs research and prepare summaries;
• Ensures documentation is accurate, complete, meets editorial and government specifications, and adheres to standards for quality, graphics, content, format, and style;
• Collaborates with subject matter experts to create, edit, and revise materials, to include creating and maintaining internal templates and style guides in conjunction with Department and Bureau policies;
• Provides guidance and assistance to other personnel and managers regarding logic, clarity, comprehensiveness, relevance, and brevity.
• Researches and reviews articles to ensure that the information is accurate, complete and sufficiently detailed to prevent publication errors or improper information by using their own knowledge, research and consultation with other subject matter experts.
• Performs and maintains Open Text and SharePoint Programs related to these duties.
• May be required to prepare Quarterly Performance Measurements.
• Provides customer service support.
• Coordinates with internal office management to set priorities for editing publications and other materials.
• May be required to work independently with little supervision.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of writing and editing experience.
• 3 years of experience with Department of State regulations and security procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and excellent writing and editing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good typing skills.
• Good customer services skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to create, proofread, reviews, edit, publish, and distribute final publication to standard formats.
• Demonstrated formal editing experience, including an intermediate knowledge of copyediting and highly developed grammar and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to various audiences.
• Prior writing/editing experience, as well as experience with infographics, internal communications, and digital media strategies are highly desirable for this vacancy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Department of State Regulations/Policies.
• Software experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), PageMaker, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Excellent writing ability, oral communications capabilities, and organizational skills are required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain a US Passport.

Security Clearance:
TOP SECRET Clearance Level Required

• Must have a current US Government TOP SECRET Personnel Security Clearance
• Must have a current US Government Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) (less than 4-1/2 years old) or be able to successfully complete a U.S. government administered Single Scope Background Investigation.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be eligible for and able to obtain and maintain required Security Clearance/access approvals.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to be able to occasionally stand; walk; sit; use hands and/or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; operate office equipment, reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close and distant vision. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel:

Travel will be required domestically and internationally for projects, training, and company business not to exceed 20% of the work year.

Work Environment:

Office environment.