# Critical Elements for ***Technical Writer/Editor - 1082***

### Develop health education campaigns and activities (could also be used for Public Health Analyst/Advisor, GS-685)

-   Based on the IC's research and consumer needs, plans and implements
    effective and timely public education interventions designed to
    improve public health knowledge, attitudes, and practices

-   Reviews reports, concepts, and products submitted by scientific
    staff and/or contractors in order to contribute to design and
    development of health communications messages and campaigns that are
    written in clear and concise language for lay audiences.

-   Initiates contacts and collaborates with stakeholders, including
    health professional organizations, voluntary groups, Government
    agencies, and patient groups to form an increased number of
    partnerships over the prior rating period, for effective education
    campaigns.

-   Develops training workshops, brochures and web-based messages, and
    other products intended to improve public health. (Possible
    quantifiable standard: proposing at least 2 new outreach activities
    in CY-06

-   Tests messages and public education materials when appropriate

-   Based on consumer needs, develops and implements effective and
    culturally sensitive communications strategies to meet the needs of
    diverse populations

-   Fosters inter-IC cooperation and effective use of communication
    strategies and resources by participating in 2 inter-IC meetings or
    other communication vehicles in CY-06.

### Establish and maintain a dialogue and communication strategy with IC scientific staff

-   Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with IC
    scientific staff to increase staff understanding of media issues,
    policies and procedures; communicates policies with new staff on an
    ongoing basis, as needed. Is proactive in setting up meetings with
    scientific staff at least once a year.

-   Works closely with IC scientific staff to identify newsworthy
    research and to develop appropriate materials and media messages
    based on the research.

-   Develops effective and timely talking points, speeches, Q&As and
    FAQs in partnership with scientific staff geared towards specific
    targeted groups.

-   Provides coaching to scientific staff that deals with the media.
    Develops guidance that explains media issues in clear and concise
    language.

### Communicate NIH-supported research advances through the media. Develops and implements media relations plans, strategies, and tactics to effectively communicate NIH research advances

-   Plans, designs and writes effective, clear and concise reports, fact
    sheets, and other materials involving the translation of biological
    science, clinical medicine, health promotion and related fields into
    language that persons unfamiliar with those subjects understand.

-   Develops communication products that demonstrate a technical
    understanding of the subject matter; products are clear, concise,
    and accurately convey scientific research and policy

-   Develops technically sound news releases that are time sensitive;
    increases by 5 % the number of releases written over the prior
    rating period

-   Assures that information is reviewed and released in accordance with
    established NIH/HHS policies, procedures and practices and within
    established timeframes.

### Coordinate and respond to a variety of media inquiries

-   Division files are maintained in accordance with Division Director's
    established requirements; all of the following are applicable:

-   Files are easily retrievable by the secretary or Division staff
    members;

-   Files are logically organized, clearly labeled and neat; and

-   Documents are filed within 5 days of receipt.

### Workforce Relations Division Administrative Support

-   Appropriately triages incoming media inquiries in a timely manner
    based on deadlines and topic; acts as intermediary when reporters
    request an interview, accurately referring calls to staff, outside
    experts, or serves as an institute spokesperson, if need be, based
    on sound understanding of the issue involved.

-   Assures proper clearances through the IC, NIH and as appropriate,
    HHS, in accordance with established written guidelines.

-   Demonstrates an understanding of the media in considering
    appropriate responses to inquiries and ensures that responses to
    media calls are timely and accurate

-   Maintains sufficient technical knowledge of IC programs and staff to
    accurately identify appropriate IC staffers and grantees who can
    conduct media interviews and serve as resources for the media

-   Maintains sufficient knowledge of the field to refer media calls to
    appropriate outside sources, if staff unavailable

-   Serves as spokesperson to the press and provides timely,
    knowledgeable and strategic advice to staff on

-   media-related issues; is knowledgeable about institute positions and
    policy

-   Establishes and maintains effective relationships with media
    representatives

-   Suggests story ideas and angles that will further public
    understanding of disease categories; increase the number of feature
    articles, news releases, etc. by 5% over the prior rating period.

-   Maintains familiarity with current communication vehicles and tools
    and applies this knowledge effectively and in a timely manner

-   Based on knowledge and research, appropriately identifies
    journalists and media producers with an interest in or history of
    covering the scientific topic. Through e-mail, phone, and personal
    contact, explains the implications of the research and encourages
    media coverage in a timely manner.