Jobs & Internships

Health Writer

Company: Lupus Foundation of America

Position Title: Health Writer

Location: Hybrid in Washington DC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

Are you an excellent writer and editor? Are you passionate about using your skills to help people live better, healthier lives? The Lupus Foundation of America is seeking an exceptional Health Writer to be a key member of the Marketing and Communications Team. The Health Writer will be responsible for helping the Foundation maintain, create and publish relevant, engaging and actionable health content for those impacted by lupus.

The core skillset for this position is writing and editing. The ideal candidate will be able to relate to text creatively, strategically, and analytically, and be able to take scientific or complex topics pertaining to lupus and make them understandable to a general audience. They will have an excellent grasp of grammar, style, and structure, along with the ability to apply style guides and health literacy and communication best practices. They must be able to create and edit health content for a wide range of channels and audiences quickly and accurately. The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of and experience in project management and publishing content. 

The Health Writer will report to the Content Director but will work on a daily basis with the entire content team.

This is a  hybrid position with 1-2 days per week required in our Washington, DC office.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

The Health Writer will be responsible for the creation and review of health content and the completion of tasks integral to the organization’s content production processes. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Writing/Editing:

  • Write long and short form content for different formats and different audiences including website content, social media copy, video and animation scripts, infographics, slideshows, news, blogs, copywriting, fact sheets, patient education information, program information, and newsletters. 
  • Identify and use credible scientific sources to inform content creation and cite sources appropriately.
  • Review, proofread and copyedit content to ensure it adheres to organizational style and brand guidelines, plain language and clear communication standards, and health education and communication best practices. 
  • Coordinate content reviews with medical, research, and health experts, committee and board members, and senior-level internal staff. 
  • Organize substantive feedback from colleagues, working groups, reviewers, subject matter experts, and other contributors and incorporate it in revised drafts.
  • Conduct timely review and updates of published content to reflect research advances, new guidelines, and recommendations.
  • Actively contribute as a member of the content team to developing content strategies, identifying process improvement and workflow efficiencies, and implementing editorial and content development best practices. 
  • Support the development or refinement of style guides and standard operating procedures.
  • Curate resources for promotional campaigns.

Program Support:

  • Support the development of education and research programming through writing and editing promotional and complementary materials. 
  • Attend and prepare materials for organizational events.
  • Represent the organization at events, interacting with people with lupus and their families with professionalism and empathy.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Project Management:

  • Complete, track and coordinate tasks to support all phases of content and production processes—from idea generation to editorial and production planning, to release of final product. 
  • Coordinate with other departments to manage design, review and translation of health education content.
  • Track tasks and deliverables for vendors.
  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory and detailed knowledge of digital and print health education content.
  • Respond to requests for materials and other inquiries, both internal and external.
  • Mail materials from the DC office upon request.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's Degree. Desired fields of study: Journalism, English, Social Sciences, Communications, Public Health, and Health Communication.
  • Required Experience: 2-4 years. Minimum 2 years of professional writing experience is required. Experience writing in the health care field is preferred.
  • Ability to apply style guides along with health promotion, health communication, health literacy, usability, and digital communication best practices.
  • Strong structural editing, line editing and copyediting skills.
  • Ability to produce content in multiple formats (e.g., video, text, infographics, slideshows) and to determine the most appropriate format for different messages, channels and audiences. 
  • Ability to grasp complex issues and communicate about them in accurate, engaging and accessible ways.
  • Ability to ensure consistent quality, style and tone of health content and advance organizational objectives through clear, crisp, and compelling communication. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural awareness and responsiveness, and the ability to build relationships both in person and remotely in a changing priority environment.
  • Ability to prioritize, monitor, track and evaluate multiple tasks, projects, goals, and performance measures. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including “managing up” when necessary to keep the project on track.
  • Willingness to take initiative and be proactive in the role.
  • Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.
  • Strong attention to detail, able to fact check and review materials for both style and substance.
  • Ability and willingness to learn new software and technology. 
  • Mastery of AP Stylebook and plain language and clear communication guidelines.
  • Mastery of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Enthusiasm for learning how to use scientific and medical research literature databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) and peer-reviewed articles as source material.
  • Enthusiasm for learning about lupus and other autoimmune diseases and the impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Writing samples and copyediting test will be required. 

Benefits

The Lupus Foundation of America prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees. The Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance covered at 100% for the employee. We provide sick, vacation, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. Other benefits include, Flexible Spending Accounts, a technology stipend, and an Employee Assistance Pro

For additional information and to apply for this job, click here.


#JobsandInternships