Sr. Technical Writer/Editor

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Sr. Technical Writer to provide expert research, writing, editing, and multimedia communication support onsite at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA.

You will develop clear, compelling messaging for senior-level audiences across briefs, speeches, reports, and digital content. The role requires 7+ years of experience in DoD or senior-level environments, strong MS Office skills, and the ability to distill complex technical topics into plain

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, or journalism in high-tempo DoD environments.
• Expert MS Office, especially PowerPoint, with advanced presentation design and multimedia integration.
• Clear writing for senior leaders; multi-project prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert research, writing, editing, and multimedia communication support across formats.
• Develop speeches, presentations, reports, and communications for senior-level audiences.
• Design and deliver senior-level briefings and data-driven presentations.
• Research technical issues, distill into plain-English narratives for leaders and partners.
• Collaborate with clients and officials to refine messaging and plan strategies.
• Lead development of multimedia products—graphics, video, templates, and charts.

Skills

MS Office Proficiency

Senior-Level Writing

Public Affairs

Social Media Strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Sr. Technical Writer to provide onsite support out of the Mark Center.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Technical Writer will provide expert research, writing, editing, and multimedia communication support. Apply mastery-level capability in developing clear, compelling, and visually engaging communication products tailored to senior-level audiences. Produce high-quality speeches, presentations, reports, and communication products across multiple formats and platforms, including formal briefs, PowerPoint decks, multimedia content, blogs, videos, articles, op-eds, and social media posts. Apply mastery-level skills in Microsoft Office, particularly MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel, and related multimedia applications to design and deliver senior-level briefings, data-driven presentations, and visually compelling products. Research emerging technical issues, trends, and organizational priorities; distill complex subject matter into clear, plain-English narratives suitable for senior leaders, interagency partners, Congress, and public-facing audiences. Develop communications tailored to diverse audiences, including government executives, internal personnel, industry, academia, media, and public stakeholders; align all messaging to OUSD(R&E) strategic communications plans. Collaborate routinely with clients and senior officials to refine messaging, review drafts, develop talking points, and plan communication strategies. Lead creation of dynamic, visually engaging multimedia products that incorporate graphics, video elements, templates, charts, and other digital tools to enhance message clarity and impact. Manage content development from initial research through final production; track issues, coordinate speaking engagements, and oversee logistics for presentations and associated materials. Produce social media content, manage communication strategies, and craft messages tailored for digital platforms in alignment with DoD public affairs and OUSD(R&E) communication guidelines. Ensure all written and multimedia materials meet DoD standards for accuracy, grammar, format, and quality; deliver polished products under tight deadlines in fast-paced senior executive environments. Coordinate with workflow managers, technical SMEs, and front office staff to integrate content, maintain situational awareness of ongoing initiatives, and ensure alignment with enterprise priorities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.


• 7+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, or journalism including high-tempo, senior-level DoD or Service Headquarters environments.


• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, especially expert-level PowerPoint presentation design, document formatting, and multimedia integration.


• Proven ability to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly for senior leaders; ability to manage multiple projects independently and prioritize effectively.


• Experience developing and executing social media communication strategies.


• Ability to communicate complex technical topics in plain English tailored to multiple audiences.


• Strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail; ability to meet deadlines.


• Active TS/SCI clearance.


• Able to work fully onsite.

Desired

• Graduate degree.


• Experience supporting communications for a technical or research organization.


• Experience developing multi-format content aligned with senior-level DoD strategic messaging.


• Experience coordinating with senior officials and front offices in fast-paced operational environments.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $115,000.00/Yr. - USD $135,000.00/Yr.