Description
SAIC is hiring an Executive Speechwriter to support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), who will be primarily responsible for writing major speeches, remarks, addresses, and talking points for the Under Secretary and may be required to support other senior government leaders with written materials. A perfect candidate will have depth and breadth of knowledge to ensure written materials are compelling and accurately convey the customer's mission. The Executive Speechwriter will directly support OUSD(R&E) in all engagements, both internal and external, to accomplish strategic messaging and branding objectives. This position is located in Arlington, VA and is hybrid remote.
Job Responsibilities:
Receive speaking requests, gather details from event organizers, prepare and/or present event briefs, and seek out talking points pertaining to relevant topics of interest
Research and write/create new presentations, speeches and communication pieces that address complex and high profile issues; advise and consult with the customer on messaging and communications strategies; create in-depth communications on a range of subjects.
Ensure relevant strategy, messaging, branding, and other leadership goals are met and/or accomplished in each task
Work with relevant Department of Defense (DoD) leadership and subject matter experts to ensure each speech holistically covers the relevant topic and meets expectations for each engagement
Produce clear communications through a wide range of styles and formats, including formal speeches, remarks, talking points, articles, opinion editorials, blog entries, and other public or internal comments by the Under Secretary and other senior government leaders as required
Collaborate with strategic communications and graphic design personnel to ensure that collateral elements that may accompany the speech (e.g., PowerPoints, flash movies, photos, videos, etc.) are prepared and help execute the strategy for the presentation
Tailor messages in coordination with OUSD(R&E) strategic communications plans and to serve the needs of different audiences, including employees, clients, media, social media, students, industry participants, and community organizations
Perform regular syncs with the OUSD(R&E) strategic communications and front office teams, briefing time sensitive tasks and items
Conduct independent research to support and strengthen speeches, presentations, and articles
Maintain a comprehensive electronic archive of speeches, remarks, and presentations, both as prepared and as delivered
Respond quickly and productively to last minute requests, including special projects pertaining to the White House, the Secretary of Defense, or OUSD(R&E) leadership
Attend meetings with the Under Secretary to understand and stay abreast of the customer's key positions on relevant issues and policies, ensuring that messaging aligns to those positions and fulfills the larger organizational strategy
Conduct preparation sessions with senior leaders for interviews, panels, and/or public Q&A events, in coordination with OSD Public Affairs
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED CLEARANCE:
Top Secret clearance required; Ability to obtain TS/SCI required to maintain employment
US citizenship is required
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Strong leadership, problem identification/resolution skills, flexibility, initiative, and a proven ability to work with Senior Executives
Ability to work independently on short timelines and with little guidance; self-starter with strong ability to communicate updates to relevant stakeholders
Ability to communicate broad messages in context of specific writing assignments and individual engagements
Ability to understand and write in the voice of a principal, including communication style and preferences in terms of form and content
Detail-oriented project management skills with high level of judgment and discretion
Robust project and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
Ability to research, identify, leverage, and cite materials relevant to the task at hand
Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to cater written products for multiple audiences, from Cabinet-level executive leaders to the general public
Ability to translate complex, technical and policy initiatives into simple and effective communications
Must be able to coordinate across multiple organizations, track timelines, and ensure all stakeholders are engaged as required
Outstanding interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills with a high level of emotional intelligence
DESIRED SKILLS:
Two (2) or more years of experience in management consulting
Familiarity with DoD and Associated Press Style Book writing guidelines
Strong experience in executive communications, especially writing for a senior executive, elected person, or public figure
Professional background in journalism, professional writing, or political speechwriting
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site. REQNUMBER: 2403535
SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
