James Bell Associates (JBA) is a nationally recognized research, evaluation, and technical assistance firm dedicated to improving outcomes for children, families, and communities. For more than 45 years, we have partnered with federal and state agencies, tribal entities, foundations, universities, and nonprofit organizations to generate evidence, strengthen programs, and support effective policies and practices. Our work spans child welfare, child and family development, and health and human services.
We are seeking a Senior Research and Evaluation to develop, cowrite, and refine high-quality written products to communicate complex research, evaluation findings, and technical information in clear, accessible, and actionable ways. Working closely with JBA researchers, evaluators, subject matter experts, technical assistance providers, and leadership, the Senior Research and Evaluation Writer serves as a trusted writing partner, helping teams translate complex concepts and evidence into compelling products for a wide range of audiences, including federal agencies, foundations, practitioners, policymakers, community organizations, families, and the public.
The Senior Research and Evaluation Writer provides writing consultation, editorial guidance, and developmental support to staff throughout the writing process, helping strengthen clarity, organization, audience focus, and overall product quality. The position also contributes to firm-wide efforts to strengthen communication practices and advance JBA’s mission.
As a member of the Finance and Operations Division, the Senior Research and Evaluation Writer serves as a firm-wide resource and collaborates closely with project teams, JBA’s graphic designer, and copy editor to produce engaging, accessible, and impactful products.
Responsibilities
- Cowrite and refine a range of dissemination products—including reports, briefs, fact sheets, toolkits, presentations, proposals, infographics, website content, social media materials—to translate complex research findings, evaluation results, and technical information into clear, accessible, and engaging content tailored to specific audiences.
- Provide developmental guidance and editorial support throughout the product development process, including strengthening organization, clarity, tone, technical accuracy, and overall quality through substantive editing, copyediting, and quality assurance.
- Partner with and advise project teams on dissemination strategies by identifying effective product formats, messaging approaches, and communication strategies for funders, practitioners, policymakers, community partners, families, and other key audiences.
- Guide staff on effective writing practices and support project teams in scoping products, establishing timelines, and estimating writing and editing needs.
- Maintain and enhance writing standards, editorial style guides, templates, and quality control processes to promote consistency and clarity across products.
- Ensure all written products meet federal plain language guidelines, Section 508 accessibility standards, and client requirements.
- Manage multiple writing and editing tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in technical writing and editing within research, evaluation, public policy, or federal contracting environments, particularly in health and human services.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with strong verbal communication and a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality written products.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize and translate complex research findings, evaluation results, data, and technical information into clear, accessible, and engaging content tailored to specific audiences.
- Experience developing and managing products from concept through final production, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or providing developmental feedback to writers, researchers, or subject matter experts to strengthen written communication skills and product quality.
- Strong project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Knowledge of federal plain-language requirements, Section 508 accessibility standards, and experience applying editorial and style guidelines, including GPO (Government Printing Office) and APA style.
- Familiarity with data visualization principles and practices.
- Experience supporting federally funded projects, particularly in health and human services, early care and education, or community-based programs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and other collaborative tools; familiarity with website and social media platforms, content management tools, or design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public policy, social sciences, public health, or a related field.
This is a remote position with limited travel required. The salary range is from $85,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience. JBA offers a generous benefits package including health care coverage, matching 401(K), and profit sharing.
JBA is committed to building a team where people from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and experiences can advance and thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 writing samples demonstrating your ability to synthesize complex information, write for different audiences, and contribute to substantive product development. Applicants may briefly describe their role in developing each sample.
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