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

### Communicates information about NIGMS' mission, programs, accomplishments, and areas of science by writing, editing, producing, and disseminating news releases, articles, publications, reports, newsletters, and other print and electronic material for varied audiences. This element also relates to and supports objectives in the "One DHHS Program and Management Objectives," specifically 5B. Advance Medical Research -- Increase the understanding of basic biomedical and behavioral science and how to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and disability.

> ***[Fully Successful]{.underline}***
>
> Written products typically:

-   Are planned and carried out with minimal direction from the
    supervisor.

-   Are accurate, well-organized, complete, and suitable to the topic
    and audience, but may require a modest amount of editing to improve
    clarity, flow, or other aspects of mechanics.

-   Reflect solid knowledge of the NIGMS and NIH missions, programs,
    priorities, messages, and policies.

-   Reflect familiarity with developments in relevant NIGMS-supported
    research areas.

-   Are completed within deadlines or specified timeframes.

-   Receive positive feedback from users.

> ***[Exceptional]{.underline}***
>
> Written products almost always:

-   Planned and carried out independently and with a high degree of
    productivity.

-   Clear, compelling, accurate, well-organized, and complete, requiring
    minimal editing to improve clarity, flow, or other aspects of
    mechanics.

-   Display a firm grasp of the "big picture" and thorough knowledge of
    the NIGMS and NIH missions, programs, priorities, messages, and
    policies.

-   Reflect current and extensive knowledge of developments in relevant
    NIGMS-supported research areas.

-   Are completed within deadlines or specified timeframes.

-   Are recognized for their quality by receiving honors, positive
    feedback from users, and similar accolades.

### Works with reporters, public information officers at grantee institutions, NIGMS grantees, and NIGMS staff to link taxpayer funding through NIGMS/NIH to research advances and/or programmatic successes. Pitches newsworthy topics and track the results of pitching efforts.

> ***[Fully Successful]{.underline}***
>
> Communication products and interactions typically:

-   Reflect good judgment regarding appropriate communication activities
    for each situation.

-   Display good knowledge of Institute programs and research advances
    reported by grantees in identifying subjects for communication.

-   Are prepared or conducted in a timely fashion.

-   Use standard dissemination channels.

> ***[Exceptional]{.underline}***
>
> Communication products and interactions almost always:

-   Reflect seasoned judgment regarding the communication activities
    that are most appropriate for, and likely to have the greatest
    impact in, each situation.

-   Display current and extensive knowledge of NIGMS programs and
    research advances reported by grantees in identifying good subjects
    for communication.

-   Are prepared or conducted in a timely fashion.

-   Use varied, and sometimes novel, dissemination channels.

-   Display an outstanding sense of what information is newsworthy and
    how to present material to attract audience attention.

-   Lead to articles about the news being conveyed, quotes from NIGMS
    staff in articles and/or grantee institution news releases, and/or
    mentions of NIGMS/NIH funding.

### Helps NIGMS components address their communication needs by developing informational material with or for them. Advises NIGMS staff members on communication issues, such as interacting with the media, the most effective way to present material, and the most appropriate dissemination channels to use to achieve the desired results.

> ***[Fully Successful]{.underline}***

-   Communication plans are typically based on existing methods and
    strategies for conveying information about NIGMS-supported research,
    policies, and programs to various audiences.

-   Communication plans are typically effective, based on the evaluation
    criteria included in the plans.

-   Responses to requests and inquiries are routinely handled in a
    timely, courteous, tactful, and thorough manner.

-   Interactions with OCPL coworkers, NIGMS staff, NIH staff, and people
    outside NIH are typically constructive and effective.

> ***[Exceptional]{.underline}***

-   Brainstorming and problem-solving activities reflect strategic
    thinking about how to approach a communication issue, including
    identifying when change is needed in a message or communication
    strategy.

-   Actions reflect seasoned judgment, skill, and adaptability in
    handling unanticipated problems.

-   Communication plans reflect creativity in using new methods and
    approaches to convey information about NIGMS-supported research,
    policies, and programs to various audiences.

-   Communication plans are almost always effective, based on the
    evaluation criteria included in the plans.

-   Interactions with OCPL coworkers, NIGMS staff, NIH staff, and people
    outside NIH are highly effective, promoting cooperation and support,
    even on issues involving competing interests or unusual
    sensitivities.

-   Advice and assistance to NIGMS staff lead to desired outcomes, such
    as greater awareness of an initiative or funding opportunity, good
    turnout at an event, or more effective and productive interactions
    with the media.