Senior Speech Writer

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POSITION EMPHASIS: The National Education Association (NEA) is America’s oldest and largest organization committed to advancing public education. With headquarters in Washington, DC, NEA proudly claims more than 3 million members devoted to the following mission: to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. We strive to improve the quality of teaching, to increase student achievement, and to make schools safer and better places to learn.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Speech Writer is primarily responsible for using the art of storytelling to articulate the President’s and Vice President’s viewpoints through effective, creative speechwriting, while leveraging the full suite of communications tools to inform, engage, persuade, and mobilize key audiences on pro-public education issues.  The incumbent will be responsible for determining the appropriate tone and voice to address issue(s) and for communicating complex information clearly and compellingly. The incumbent will continuously engage in research to monitor and analyze the latest educational issues and policies, racial and social justice issues, and state and local news to inform, develop, and elevate the Officers’ viewpoints via public statements and positions. The incumbent will assist in developing the President’s and Vice President’s communication strategy and plan, and in crafting speeches, editorials, and other media that accurately reflect the President’s and Vice President's positions while simultaneously promoting NEA’s goals.  This position requires the incumbent to exercise the utmost discretion and diplomacy when interacting with high-level individuals and to maintain confidence at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Speech Writing/Support:
  • Through creative speechwriting, convey the viewpoints and priorities of the President and Vice President to a broad array of national and local audiences.
  • Attend conferences, meetings, and rehearsals of major speeches at the President's and/or Vice President’s request.
  • Provide speech writing presentations and workshops to affiliate communications staff.
• Content Strategy:
  • Work cohesively across the Center for Governance and within NEA to develop strategic communications plans that will counter those of our opposition and allow NEA to go on offense.
  • Ensure the organization's communications, including branding, public, paid media, earned media, digital engagement, social media, advertising, and external and internal communications, are closely aligned with the broader strategies of NEA. 
  • Assist in formulating message points consistent with NEA policy.
• Collaboration/Partnership:
  • Forge productive working relationships with representatives of NEA, other education and labor organizations, and partners.
  • Help manage relationships with numerous partners (i.e., media, public relations agencies, and similar organizations) to build coalitions to drive effective communications campaigns successfully.
• Monitoring and Analysis:
  • Research, monitor, and analyze topics for speeches, newspaper columns, or editorials, and write creatively and accurately on tight deadlines to produce an effective and compelling public voice for the Officer.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Humanities, Communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills is obtained. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of five years of professional experience writing speeches, editorials, and articles for publication and experience in journalism, public relations, and advocacy. Proven track record in successfully managing crisis communications and public relations, and editing and writing politically sensitive material on a national scale for a large and/or complex organization.  OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Understanding of the fundamentals of organizing communications and advocacy media. Excellent oral and writing skills. Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekends, and travel occasionally. Samples of work products (i.e., publications, speeches, or presentation materials) may be required at the time of the interview.  

SELECTION CRITERIA: Tier 1 (Essential): Proven mastery in using the art of storytelling and demonstrate ability performing a wide range of communication functions to articulate the viewpoint of senior leadership through effective, creative speechwriting, while leveraging the full suite of communications tools to inform, engage, persuade, and mobilize key audiences on social, economic, political, and advocacy issues.  Demonstrated verbal and detailed written communication skills, particularly in speech writing and senior-level communications to take complex information to external audiences in a variety of clear and digestible formats. Demonstrated creative writing skills with a commitment to quality and accuracy, utilizing proper grammar and editorial style guidelines, with a strong attention to detail.  Excellent ability to research and analyze topics for speeches, newspaper columns, or editorials, and write creatively and accurately on tight deadlines to produce an effective and compelling public voice for senior leadership.  Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions, with the ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly. Ability to maintain the utmost discretion and diplomacy in interacting with high-level individuals and maintain confidence at all times. Highly developed and effective interpersonal skills.  Successful background check and references. TIER 2 (Significant): Demonstrated in-depth professional knowledge and experience in strategic and organizational communications and navigating large organizations and managing relationships with numerous partners (i.e., media, public relations agencies, and similar organizations) to build coalitions to drive effective communications campaigns successfully. Demonstrated experience developing PowerPoint presentations and presenting to both large audiences and key decision-makers. Clear understanding of how print media and digital communications can be coordinated to support media relations, marketing, advertising, development, member engagement, and advocacy. Understanding of advocacy organizations. Ability to be flexible and self-motivated in order to deliver high-quality work products in multiple communication media. Professional knowledge of and experience with all forms of media. TIER 3 (Desirable): Demonstrated professional experience working within complex organizations, including experience writing and providing communications for senior leadership. The ability to add humor in speeches is a plus. Demonstrated understanding of the pro-public education landscape and relevant current and emerging issues. Knowledge of NEA’s vision, mission, and strategic goals. 

*Important Note: Writing samples are required at the time of application.  A writing assessment will be required at the time of the interview.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)  

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.