Senior Health Writer/Editor - NIH Federal Contractor

This is a senior-level individual contributor/lead role (effectively a Writing/Editing Lead) within a 200-person federal consulting firm. It sits at the intersection of health communications, NIH federal contracting, and content operations — a valuable niche with consistent demand. Compensation analysis: The $88,600–$101,900 range is slightly below market for a senior technical writer/editor in the DC/Maryland corridor, where comparable roles at large federal contractors typically range from $95K–$120K+. However, the full-time telework arrangement and the NIH mission focus (HIV/AIDS research) may offset this for mission-driven candidates. Federal regulatory and 508 compliance writing — a specialized, high-demand skill set NIH contracting workflows and government documentation standards Content leadership: mentoring writers, enforcing editorial standards, managing cross-functional stakeholders AI tool integration into editorial workflows — an emerging and marketable competency Green flags: Woman-owned business with consistent "Best Places to Work" recognition (2024 & 2025), full telework, and a stable NIH client base providing job security. The mentorship and autonomy expected at this level signals real career ownership. Potential red flag: The salary band is narrow and the role appears to have limited upward mobility described — candidates should ask about promotion pathways and whether this is a contract-dependent position tied to a specific NIH award. Ideal for health communicators who want to deepen federal sector expertise without relocating to the DC area. Salary Range: $88,626.66 – $101,920.65 per year Position Overview Are you passionate about elevating content into clear, compelling narratives that resonate? As a Consumer Health Writer/Editor with Ripple Effect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our success on work with the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Your work will provide advanced technical leadership for complex writing initiatives, overseeing content approaches, quality standards, and compliance. You will independently manage timelines, budgets, and documentation while mentoring team members and guiding best practices. You will also lead content discussions, analyze complex information, and build trusted client relationships by exercising broad guidance, expert judgment, and autonomy in execution and decision-making. Responsibilities Technical Execution: Oversees the production of technical reports, manuals, and other documents, reviewing team deliverables for quality and responsiveness and recommending improvements to meet project scope and requirements. Writing Activities: Plans and oversees production of major documentation sets, assigns writing tasks, aligns content with scope and stakeholder needs, monitors schedules/budgets, and guides team output. Editing Activities: Sets and enforces editorial standards, conducts final-level reviews, implements corrective actions for content issues, ensures regulatory/contract compliance, and manages quality accountability. Communication: Leads communications for documentation projects, preparing and reviewing written materials (e.g., status reports, technical memos) and guiding team members on effective communication practices to ensure clarity and consistency. Schedule & Timelines: Monitors and reports on writing/editing project progress, ensures deliverables are completed on schedule, and provides updates to stakeholders to keep all parties aligned and informed. Quality Management: Maintains and enforces editorial standards for all technical documents, ensuring the completeness, timeliness, and overall quality of finished products and implementing corrective actions to address any content issues. Data Analysis: Leverages analytical insights to evaluate documentation needs and content effectiveness, interpreting feedback or data to inform improvements in writing processes and deliverables. Regulatory & Contractual Compliance: Ensures consistent application of organizational policies in all documentation and verifies that technical publications adhere to relevant regulatory and contractual requirements. Documentation & Publication: Leads the development of technical documentation and publication processes, establishing clear procedures and ensuring all written materials are comprehensive, accurate, and accessible. Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Drives continuous improvement in editorial workflows by proactively identifying process inefficiencies or content gaps, implementing creative solutions to documentation challenges, and streamlining team workflows. Business Relations: Builds strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders by ensuring documentation meets their needs and by coordinating cross-departmental efforts to produce high-quality written materials in support of organizational goals. Supervision: Works independently with broad guidance supporting increasingly complex tasks. Uses experience to manage complex tasks and mentor others; consults supervisor as needed. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications 6+ years of relevant experience 2 years of medical or consumer health writing and copy-editing experience Basic Requirements Ability to produce complex technical writing and documentation related to medical or consumer health. Ability to conduct research to draft accurate and appropriate written content. Ability to edit materials as directed to meet client needs and compliance with style guides. Ability to prioritize among multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to execute instructions. Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Must reside in a U.S. location where Ripple Effect is authorized to employ staff. Ripple Effect is currently unable to employ individuals whose primary residence is in California, New York, or Puerto Rico. Skills That Set You Apart Degree in a science or health field; especially experience working on projects focused on HIV/AIDS. Proficiency in 508 compliance. Certification(s) in writing or editing. Experience with federal government contracting, especially NIH. Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks. About Ripple Effect Ripple Effect is a woman-owned, 200-person company of communicators, scientists, researchers, and analysts. Established in 2003 and named as one of the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in 2024 and 2025 by the NABR, Ripple Effect has earned acclaim for delivering unparalleled consulting services and top-tier talent across federal, private, and non-profit sectors. At Ripple Effect, we reward our employees for their contributions to our mission. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes competitive pay, exceptional benefits , and a range of programs that support your work/life balance and personalized preferences. Is this role truly fully remote or is there an in-office requirement? The position is listed as full-time telework, meaning you work entirely remotely. However, you must reside in a US state where Ripple Effect is authorized to employ staff — California, New York, and Puerto Rico are currently excluded. What is the salary range for this Consumer Health Writer/Editor position? The posted salary range is $88,626.66 to $101,920.65 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. What security clearance is required for this job? The role requires a NACI (National Agency Check with Inquiries) clearance, which is a standard federal background investigation. Applicants must be eligible for this US government clearance. Do I need a background specifically in HIV/AIDS research to apply? HIV/AIDS experience is listed as a preferred "skill that sets you apart," not a minimum requirement. The core requirement is 2+ years of medical or consumer health writing and copy-editing experience, along with 6+ years of total relevant experience. What makes a candidate stand out beyond the minimum qualifications? Preferred differentiators include a science or health degree, 508 compliance proficiency, writing/editing certifications, NIH or federal government contracting experience, and familiarity with AI tools applied to project management tasks. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ripple Effect