Sr Planning/Preparedness Technical Writer

Heluna-Health; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Heluna Health seek a Senior Planning and Preparedness Technical Writer to create and maintain emergency plans, guidance, and training materials. You will translate complex health data for diverse audiences and work in a cross‑functional team to deliver high‑quality content.

With a Master’s degree or equivalent and 5+ years in public health writing, you will tailor messages for policymakers and clinicians, collaborate with SMEs, and mentor

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years work experience in public health or healthcare.
• Experience writing complex technical documents such as guidance and policy documents, reports and action plans.
• Advanced knowledge of public health issues and policy.
• Strong research and fact verification skills using diverse sources and SMEs.
• Experience with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SmartSheet or similar visual platforms.
• Ability to tailor documents for varied stakeholders and audiences.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and collaboration ability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize data into briefs, reports and guidance.
• Develop and maintain emergency and continuity planning documents with SMEs.
• Present information clearly to policymakers, healthcare professionals and the public.
• Coordinate with internal/external experts and review content for accuracy.
• Create trainings and mentor other team members on preparedness writing.

Skills

Advanced written communication

Advanced verbal communication

Tailor documents for stakeholders

Interpersonal communication

Judgement & analytical skills

Discretion with confidential documents

Public health domain knowledge

Research & fact verification

Policy/guidance/document drafting

Education

Master’s degree or higher in public health, public policy or related area

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

SmartSheet

Job description

Sr Planning/Preparedness Technical Writer

Job Category: Program Positions

Requisition Number: SRPLA006361

• Posted : July 28, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid
• Salary : $145,000 USD per year

Locations

Showing 1 location

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Heluna Health seek a highly skilled Senior Planning and Preparedness Technical Writer to join our dynamic team. Under the direction of the PREB Chief, the Senior Planning and Preparedness Technical Writer is responsible for the development and maintenance of a variety of written materials, including CDPH emergency and continuity plans, response procedures, guidance documents, training materials, policies, reports, action plans, manuals, and supporting materials on complex public health topics. The position will also develop compelling materials that effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The position will generate high-quality content, working both independently and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.

Must submit a resume with the application.

Salary range for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 annually depending upon experience and qualifications.

May be required to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct literature reviews.
• Review and synthesize research/data and compile information into briefings, reports, guidance, policy, emergency and continuity plans, and other written documents, presentations, and slide decks.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts in the development of guidance, policy, and emergency and continuity planning documents.
• Determine the clearest and most logical way to present information so that it is easily understood by a broad audience.
• Regular communication and collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts .
• Review and/or copyedit content developed by other members of the team.
• Create and deliver trainings and mentor other emergency response planning team members.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years work experience in public health, healthcare.
• Extensive experience writing complex technical documents such as guidance and policy documents, reports, action plans, descriptive manuals and guides.
• Advanced knowledge of issues in public health, including science-based, technical, or emerging issues.
• Advanced research and fact verification skills using available resources, publications and subject matter experts as needed.
• Experience working with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SmartSheet, or other visual platforms
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to tailor documents and messages for a variety of stakeholders.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.
• Advanced judgement, analytical and decision-making skills and advanced diplomacy for navigating sensitive issues.
• Discretion in handling confidential documents or issues.

Education/Experience

Required

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, public policy or related area and/or equivalent experience
• Experience translating complex, technical language for different audiences, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Skilled at adapting tone and content to ensure clarity and engagement across stakeholder groups.
• Skilled at gathering and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders to refine documents.
• Ability to work with CDPH stakeholders to interpret public health data, and integrate findings into documents, using visuals like charts and graphs to enhance understanding.
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, gathering input from subject matter experts, and managing revisions to ensure documents meet the needs of all stakeholders and align with project goals.

Preferred

• Deep understanding of public health principles, emergency management, and public health program management.
• Working knowledge of State and/or Federal-level public health response policies relating to emergency response and recovery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand - Occasionally
• Walk – Occasionally
• Sit – Frequently
• Handling / Fingering – Occasionally
• Reach Outward – Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder – Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend - Occasionally
• Lift / Carry - Not Applicable
• Push/Pull - Not Applicable
• See – Constantly
• Taste/ Smell - Not Applicable

Key:

• Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is hybrid and must be available during normal Pacific Standard Time Zone working hours.

Must have functioning Wi-Fi and internet access in remote location.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

:

Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.