STC WDC Blog

Technical Writer/Editor

Company Name: IMPAQ International, LLC
Location: Columbia, MD
Experience: 3 - 5 Years of Experience
Date Posted: Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Listing Type: Full Time, Permanent
Category: Policy & Research Communication

Job Description

IMPAQ International, with offices in Columbia, MD and Washington, D.C., is a growing and dynamic, social sciences/economic research firm which provides high-quality research and impact evaluation services, policy analysis, and technical assistance services to U.S. and international government agencies. IMPAQ specializes in designing and implementing research projects to evaluate the effectiveness and cost/benefits of social programs.

We are seeking a Technical Writer/Editor to be responsible for the preparation, editing, and technical support of Federal proposals and project work, including research reports and presentations. The work products may be targeted at specific audiences and frequently require sophisticated health, statistical, economic, and empirical language.

This job reports to the Vice President.

Job Responsibilities

* Provide technical assistance to IMPAQ staff on improving the content, quality, and appearance of print and electronic products
* Review documents or products for consistency with IMPAQ and industry standards and guidelines, and with
the project objectives
* Review and edit research staff's work products (e.g., proposals, reports, presentations) for structure, format, grammar, punctuation and spelling
* Rewrite technical and complex material in language and style to fit the information needs of target
audiences
* Ensure that the format, content, and dissemination plan for IMPAQ work products are appropriate for the
intended audience
* Verify factual material against other sources, as required
* Provide senior management with recommendations on ways to improve IMPAQ written products
* Prepare highlights, briefs, overviews, abstracts, and promotional materials on major studies, projects,
programs or initiatives
* Maintain familiarity with IMPAQ proposals and contracts, including major initiatives and their results
* Maintain an awareness and currency with developments in IMPAQ's core research areas (e.g., labor, health)

Requirements / Skills

Education
* Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or English.

Knowledge and Experience
* Minimum of 3‐5 years of experience in technical writing/editing of research reports, proposals,
presentations, and other project deliverables is required
* Knowledge of editing practices and guidelines, including formats, styles, and procedures specific to technical research publications and government style guidelines
* Knowledge of health language and communication
* General knowledge of research and evaluation methodologies and approaches is desired
* Knowledge of roles and areas of responsibility of a wide range of Federal agencies, including the work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Labor;
* General understanding of the operations of a research and evaluation contract research firm.

Skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to express ideas clearly and logically in a variety of media
* Advanced computer skills (MS Office, including Word and Powerpoint) are required
* Ability to maintain open and effective communication with IMPAQ staff (executives, project managers, and
supporting staff), as well as outside partners/consultants as necessary
* Proven ability to effectively analyze and explain information, as well as write and/or edit materials tailored to specific audiences
* Ability to translate highly technical and theoretical discussions into more widely understood language and visual communication forms to meet the specific audience’s information needs
* Ability to work independently and effectively, often under tight deadlines
* Must be detail oriented, persistent in solving problems, self‐motivated, and able to understand and
communicate complex material through the written word

Security Clearance / Certificate Requirement

N/A

Location Requirements

N/A

About the Company

IMPAQ offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive fringe benefit package, as well as a team‐oriented
environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

IMPAQ was founded in 2001 by Ms. Sharon Benus, and Dr. Jacob Benus, with the goal of establishing IMPAQ as a premier social science research firm specializing in the conduct of rigorous impact evaluations for domestic and international clients.