Policy Writer

The Communications Policy Writer Role

The Communications Policy Writer is responsible for synthesizing complex information into clear, concise, and accessible policy documents and messaging tailored to diverse audiences. Under the leadership of the Sr. Director, Public Relations, this role collaborates with stakeholders across the organization to ensure that all policy communications align with strategic objectives and organizational goals. The Communications Policy Writer will play a critical role in developing, reviewing, and revising policy documents to ensure clarity, consistency, and accessibility. The role will also support other tasks and deliverables for the communications team as needed.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Policy Messaging and Writing:

• Working with subject matter experts, develop, draft, and revise clear and concise policy documents that effectively communicate complex information, for example, public policy statements, white papers, congressional testimony, reports, etc.
• Ensure that policy language is accessible and tailored to meet the needs of varied internal and external audiences.
• Develop messaging that resonates with a public policy audience and focuses on positioning CSBS and its objectives in the DC public policy discussion.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Partner with subject matter experts, leadership, and cross-functional teams to gather input and verify the accuracy and alignment of policy content.
• Facilitate review processes and incorporate feedback to finalize policy documents.

Editing and Quality Assurance:

• Review and refine existing policy documents for clarity, tone, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards, legal requirements, and industry best practices.

Knowledge Dissemination:

• Translate technical, legal, or regulatory language into user-friendly formats.
• Create supplemental materials to support the understanding and implementation of policies, such as summaries, FAQs, and training guides.

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices relevant to policy writing and communication.
• Maintain an organized repository of policies and ensure timely updates.
• Provide guidance and support for internal teams on effective communication strategies related to policy dissemination.
• Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by communications leadership.
• Perform duties to help sustain the operations of the communications department, for example, daily news clips distributions and publications content and distribution.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training, and/or work experience required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Public Policy, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in public affairs, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience working in financial services, government agencies, on Capitol Hill, or other policy-driven environments is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Writing and Communication Skills:

• Exceptional ability to translate complex concepts into clear and accessible language.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills with high attention to detail.

Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills:

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and synthesize feedback into cohesive outputs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Technical and Analytical Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with legal, regulatory, or technical terminology.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Ability to quickly understand new concepts and adapt writing style to different audiences.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Due to the nature of CSBS’s business in support of state financial services supervision, all CSBS employees have the potential of interacting with confidential information related to the supervision of financial services companies (“Confidential Supervisory Information”). As a result, in addition to general business conflicts of interest, all CSBS employees are expected to disclose conflicts of interest in financial services companies on at least an annual basis and to proactively avoid such conflicts.
• Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of CSBS information and information systems in accordance with CSBS policies and procedures.

Values Instilled Behaviors for Excellence (VIBE)

At CSBS, work-life balance isn’t just a policy; it’s our VIBE! We recognize that our team members have lives that deserve attention and care. That’s why we create strong, supportive relationships that help everyone grow both professionally and personally. We honor each other’s expertise and speak the truth, even when it’s a bit awkward. This honesty creates a vibe of respect and trust that powers our efficiency and our excellence. It lets us chase those career goals while also nurturing our personal pursuits. At CSBS, you can thrive at work and at home—it’s the best of both worlds!

Just like a healthy work-life, collaboration is an essential part of CSBS’s mission. In fact, it is the heartbeat of everything we do! We’re all about pitching in, giving props to our colleagues, and having each other’s backs. This allows us to push ourselves to our maximum potential and embrace those bold risks and innovative solutions. No matter what comes our way, our commitment to communication and teamwork strengthens us. We at CSBS are on mission and on the move, tackling all challenges together!

Core Leadership Competencies

Achievement Oriented Thinking:

• Is a solutions-oriented thinker.
• Has good time management skills.
• Manages expectations of what is achievable.

Change Management:

• Actively engages and participates during change.
• Asks questions and takes ownership for understanding why the change is happening and the risk of not changing actively.
• Adopts the new habits, monitors own performance, and checks self against the objectives, seeking help when they don’t match.
• Identifies and communicates obstacles and resistance.

Emotional Intelligence (Self-Awareness):

• Manages own emotions productively to stay in role.
• Handles emotionally charged situations productively and with empathy.
• Asks for and openly accepts feedback; looks for opportunities to grow.
• Conducts conversations courageously—hitting difficult issues head-on with an eye on maintaining relationships.

Working Conditions

• General office. DC-based with weekly in-office time required.
• Some travel required.

How to Apply

Apply through the CSBS website: Policy Writer – Career Portal