Communications and Content Specialist #50 Job in Washington DC, DC

Vacancy No. req528 Department Senate
Salary $84,248.00 to $147,434.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/23/2024 Close Date 1/20/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington DC, DC


Summary

The Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking a Communications and Content Specialist. The complete vacancy announcement and application can be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY. This vacancy announcement closes at 7pm EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Duties

Writes, edits and prepares clear, concise and accessible communications from the CIO's office, ensuring content is tailored for non-technical audiences. Produces materials such as executive briefings, notices, internal memos, newsletters, customer-facing updates, and feature articles. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to gather information, translating technical concepts into customer friendly language. Designs and executes communication strategies to align with organizational/departmental goals. Acts as the primary point of contact for creating customer-focused IT messaging. Collaborates with the Marketing and Outreach Specialist and the Office of Communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging and style. Monitors and incorporates feedback from stakeholders and audiences to improve communication effectiveness. Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

       Content Development for Diverse Audiences:

  • Craft polished, high-impact executive-level materials, including briefings, talking points, and reports.

  • Develop clear and accessible consumer-focused materials, such as newsletters, updates, and notices.

  • Write and edit detailed reports, ensuring technical information is communicated accurately and effectively.

       Editing Excellence:

  • Review and refine content for clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational style and tone.
  • Ensure all materials meet high standards for grammar, structure, and presentation.

       Strategic Communication:

  • Develop and execute communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
  • Ensure consistency in messaging and tone across multiple platforms and audiences.

       Technical Translation:

  • Translate complex technical information into clear, customer-friendly language for nontechnical audiences.

       Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Partner with internal teams to gather information and develop content that is accurate, relevant, and impactful.
  • Collaborate closely with the Office of Communications to maintain consistency in tone and messaging.

       Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

  • Actively seek and incorporate audience feedback to refine and improve communication strategies and materials.

       Trend Monitoring:

  • Stay informed on IT developments and trends to ensure communications are timely and relevant.

Desired Qualifications

       Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, writing, or a related field with demonstrated success in report writing and editing.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies tailored to different audiences, including executives and general consumers.

       Writing and Editing:

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a focus on clarity accuracy, detail and accessibility.
  • Demonstrated experience producing and refining detailed reports, executive summaries, and customer-friendly materials.
  • Ability to tailor messaging and tone to fit various platforms and audiences effectively.

       Technical Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Teams, OneDrive, Excel).
  • Familiarity with content management systems and online collaboration tools.
  • Ability to analyze data and incorporate insights into communication strategies.

       Interpersonal Skills:

  • Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills for liaising with stakeholders and leadership and leadership.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills to ensure messaging alignment and clarity.

       Organizational Skills:

  • Exceptional project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines while juggling multiple projects.
  • Rigorous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality polished materials.

       Adaptability and Innovation:

  • Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects.
  • Flexibility to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and emerging needs.

Other Duties/ Responsibilities

  • Stays current on IT trends and the organization's developments to ensure communications are timely,
    relevant and impactful.

Required Work Experience

  • Bachelor's degree with 3-4 years of relevant work experience or Master's degree with 2-3 years of relevant work experience.

Required Special Skills/ Knowledge

  • Ability to analyze complex information and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Knowledge of professional communication principles and practices, including audience engagement and messaging.
  • Ability to conduct research and prepare clear, concise reports or communication materials.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in preparing written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders across the organization.
  • Strong time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant’s proficiency in key areas relevant to the role. 

Working Conditions

  • This position directly supports essential services of the U.S. Senate.  As such, this position requires the employee be
    available and prepared to work during government shutdowns, in inclement weather, on holidays, weekends,
    and during late nights to ensure essential services to the Senate continue without interruption.  In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
  • No exceptional physical demands.

Continuous Learning & Development

We believe in nurturing talent. With access to advanced training modules, workshops, and seminars, your growth journey is our top priority.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or Political Science.

Additional information

The Sergeant at Arms is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email employment@saa.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and a reference check conducted.

Required Documents

Subject to background/security investigation.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply for jobs online using this link: https://sen.gov/J5NY. Paper application materials, resumes and attachments that are sent via email, mail or brought in-person will not be considered or accepted. All applicants MUST attach their documents to the online employment application.

Agency contact information

Address
U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms
SH-142 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC, Washington, DC 20001
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.