Senior Writer & Editor

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Position Overview

The Office of Family and Public Engagement is responsible for DCPS' work to engage parents, families, and the community in our students' learning, the improvement of our schools, and DCPS' planning and decision making. Our core areas of work are family and community engagement, community partnerships, and communications. All of our work is designed to engage parents in their child's learning, invest parents in the success of their child's school, and educate and include parent voices in ward and district level planning and decisions.
The Senior Writer/Editor is the primary story planner, writer and editor for the district's newsletters, publications, bulletins and announcements. He/she is responsible for investigating and developing a variety of feature stories for diverse audiences - parents, families, school communities and the general public - in short and long form pieces - to be distributed across multiple delivery vehicles and channels. He/she must always work within the district's editorial and messaging guidelines to produce writing that is aligned with the broader values of the school district and the Chancellor.
The Senior Writer/Editor, Office of Family and Public Engagement reports to the Deputy Chief, Communications & Public Engagement.Educational Requirements

Bachelors DegreeQualifications

  • Bachelors degree in journalism or communications with 2-4 years of related work experience.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Ability to juggle multiple assignments and maintain a high level of quality, accuracy and speed.
  • Ability to articulate messages clearly in both written and oral communications.
  • Ability to maintain poise under high-pressure conditions.
  • Ability to develop and produce simple print materials, presentations and short self-published pieces.
  • Previous exposure to or experience in the K-12 education sector a plus.

    • Personal Qualities Of Top Candidates

  • Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education.
  • Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.
  • Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
  • Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
  • Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non-routine situations.
  • Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
  • Dependability: Does whatever it takes to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines; successfully manages own projects through strong organization, detailed workplans, and balancing of multiple priorities.
  • Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner.Responsibilities
    The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other clinical duties may be assigned.
  • Investigates and develops a variety of feature stories for varied audiences - parents, teachers, community members and the general public - in short form and long form pieces - to be distributed across multiple delivery channels and vehicles.
  • Works within existing editorial and messaging guidelines to produce writing that is aligned with the broader values of the school district and the District of Columbia.
  • Researches a variety of storylines through school visits, interviews, observations and online resources; and determines angle, tone and intended audience(s).
  • Publishes a variety of external communications such as parent brochures, annual reports and newsletters.
  • Occasionally prepares talking points, briefings and other documents for school district leaders.
  • Routinely proofs and copyedits district reports, letters and other documents; and relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish editorial goals.
  • Participates in community events as needed.
    Notice of Criminal Background Check.In accordance with the Criminal Background Checks for the Protection of Children Act of 2004, this position has been designated and identified as one which requires a criminal background check and/or traffic record check. If you are tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check and/or traffic record check (for positions which require the operation of a motor vehicle) will be conducted. A final offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a satisfactory criminal background check and/or traffic record check.
    Notice of Non-Discrimination.In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, District of Columbia Official Code Section 2-1401.01 et seq. (Act), the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) does not discriminate (including employment therein and admission thereto) on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an interfamily offense, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited. Discrimination in violation of the aforementioned laws will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

    • District Of Columbia Public Schools

    1200 First St, NE, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20002
    (202) 442-5424

    U.S. Department Of Education

    Office for Civil Rights
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
    Telephone: 1-800-421-3481
    FAX: 202-245-6840; TDD: 877-521-2172
    Email:OCR@ed.gov

    Director Of Targeted Student Support

    Offic


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