Policy Technical Writer

Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Public Policy Technical Editor supports the department’s activities by collaborating with multiple volunteer-based technical groups to help develop public policy materials, to include issue briefs, monographs, white papers, and other reports. Working directly with the professional volunteers, the Technical Editor will manage the consolidation of material into a cohesive document and coordinate with the technical experts to ensure that content accurately reflects the complex and technical details.

The Technical Editor will understand the insurance environment and can “connect all the dots.” Familiarity or interest in health, retirement, life, property/casualty, or risk management/financial reporting is welcome. The Technical Editor must have excellent organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, the ability to work collaboratively in a team dynamic, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Technical Editing/Writing

Edit, write, and support the development of technical public policy documents.

Create, update, and implement internal documentation communication templates and processes, including datasheets, app notes, PowerPoints, etc.

Prioritize various projects and communicate/negotiate deadlines with relevant stakeholders.

Conduct interviews to gather data.

Work with various departments to create meaningful and consistent messages for customers.

Ensure documentation conforms to the company’s quality standards.

Ensure the documentation’s quality by editing, revising, rewriting, and analyzing the existing technical content to make it more user-friendly.

In consultation with Department staff and volunteers, identify the intended audience and integrate ongoing feedback to improve documentation quality and help translate technical language into concepts that are easy to understand by the external audience.

Manage multiple conflicting priorities while supporting the various process owners.

Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, ensure alignment, and manage expectations throughout the document lifecycle.

Project Coordination

Leverage project management tools (i.e., Asana) and other online collaboration technology to streamline communication and support project work within the department and across the organization.

Maintain regular communication and provide progress updates to Policy Analysts and Public Policy leadership, to help maintain appropriate prioritization of projects and better understand the pipeline of future work products.

Check for accuracy and consistency in all documentation.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless information flow and project deliveries.

In coordination with Policy Analysts, liaise with identified work groups and volunteers to establish project deliverables and create work flows.

Coordinate with internal stakeholders to identify data required and inform of missing data needed to complete documents.

Establish and enforce project quality standards, ensuring deliverables meet defined requirements and expectations.

Other duties as assigned.

Travel: Less than 5%

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Technical editing and writing skills for developing public policy documents.

Proficiency in creating and implementing internal communication templates and processes.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and tasks effectively.

Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in documentation.

Effective communication skills for collaborating with team members and external stakeholders.

Proficient with technical writing principles and best practices.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines.

Strong project management and time management abilities.

Ability to translate technical language into understandable concepts.

Strong interpersonal skills for liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

BA/BS, preferably in Journalism, Communications, or other relevant field

Minimum of five years of technical writing experience required

Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken

Ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines

Advanced computer skills with expert knowledge in Word and Excel

Preferred:

Experience in non-profit/membership/association environments.

Experienced user of Asana, databases, Zoom, and online collaboration tools

Familiarity with insurance and risk management

Experience working in a matrix environment and with highly technical subject-matter experts

FLSA Classification: Exempt

The American Academy of Actuaries is an EEO Employer.

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Referral program

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid in Washington, DC 20036