Senior Writer

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate’s culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal’s “50 Best Places to Work” list as well as being a “Great Place to Work” certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the DC Metro top employers!

In this Senior Writer role, you will have the opportunity to:  

• Write and edit articles, white papers, fact sheets, blogs, press releases, web pages, and other publications on science topics of stakeholder interest, including those addressing significant or potentially controversial topics.
• Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into plain language for non-expert audiences.
• Draft and edit web content summarizing policies and guidance for proposers and awardees.
• Conduct research and factchecking, collaborating with OLPA staff, program officials, and scientists to ensure accuracy and clarity of all written products.
• Ensure all products comply with the "Plain Writing Act of 2010" and Section 508 accessibility standards

Job requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including at least 3 years' experience writing about scientific and technological subjects. 
• Drives high-impact, complex projects from initiation to closure, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
• Experience writing for federal agencies, scientific funders, or research-focused organizations (preferred).
• Experience writing both short- and long format content, including press releases, fact sheets, blogs, reports and webpages.
• Experience conducting research and factchecking using written sources and direct interviews with subject-matter experts.
• Degree in journalism, communications or a science-related field (preferred).
• Ability to distill complex scientific and technical topics into clear, compelling language for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in AP Style, plain language writing, and editing for scientific accuracy.
• Familiarity with federal communication requirements, including the "Plain Writing Act of 2010" and Section 508 compliance.
• Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) principles. 

Basic Qualifiers:  

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a science-related field (preferred). 
• Can Additional Years of Experience Substitute for Degree? No 
• Minimum Years of Overall Experience: 5 
• Minimum Clearance to Start: Public Trust  
• Work Status Allowable: US Citizen  or Permanent Resident   

Travel and Telecommuting: 

• Travel: Little (less than 10%)
• Telecommute Options: On site. Ability to work core hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability. 

Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.