Communications Specialist/Editor

Axle is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist and Editor to support the Office of the Director Support within the Center for Preparedness (CP), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), located in Washington, DC. This position supports communications for public health preparedness and emergency response missions.

Responsibilities

• Develop communication strategies and plans that align with program objectives and goals.
• Prepare written and electronic information materials for a variety of audiences, including reports, briefings, and media outreach materials.
• Proofread and edit business, technical, and scientific documentation for clarity, accuracy, and publication readiness.
• Conduct media and content analysis.
• Maintain social media channels and websites, including updating content and related materials.
• Monitor press coverage through press calls, news alerts, and other sources.
• Build relationships with members of the press and maintain specialized media contacts.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and meetings to remain informed of scientific and policy trends.
• Identify meetings and conferences that provide opportunities to promote program initiatives.
• Provide communications and media subject matter expertise and coordinate media engagements.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a related field.
• Fourteen to sixteen years of relevant experience in business, technical, or scientific writing, including organizing and gathering information to develop reports, briefings, and media outreach materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in proofreading and editing business, technical, or scientific documentation.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing systems, graphics software, and basic HTML coding to create, edit, and prepare materials for publication.

Work Location and Schedule

• Primary duty location: Washington, DC.
• Onsite attendance is required.
• Eight-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, within the 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time operating window, with availability during core hours of 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Alternative schedules require approval.
• Emergency response assignments may require work outside traditional hours, schedule flexibility within the standard 40-hour workweek, or deployment at the program office’s request.