Technical Writer

Company Description

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

CAL’s mission is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

Job Description

The Technical Writer reports to the Test Assembly Manager and works collaboratively across functional teams to ensure that documents produced by CAL program staff meet the highest expectations for clarity and usability. This role is critical in ensuring that CAL’s reports and documentation adhere to the highest standards for usability and WCAG compliance, supporting accessibility and inclusivity.  The Technical Writer prepares and reviews materials for high-stakes assessments of English language proficiency, writes alt text for graphics for said assessments, and ensures that the alt text meets specialized programmatic requirements. The Technical Writer reviews technical reports and, in collaboration with subject matter experts, writes alt text for images and technical graphs in said reports. This position also supports best practices in documentation management, ensuring that editing workflows and style guides are current and adapted for various formats. Additionally, the Technical Writer coordinates the fact-checking process for custom test content, ensuring accuracy and integrity.

Essential Duties

• Collaborate with program staff to understand requirements of various projects
• Provide support in identifying and troubleshooting technical issues related to document accessibility, and recommend solutions for WCAG compliance
• Prepare formatting for tables and figures for reports that align to WCAG requirements
• Contribute to updates and enhancements of CAL’s style guide and documentation standards, integrating best practices and emerging standards for accessibility
• Contribute to enhancements of computer-based assessment packages for accessibility purposes and participate in quality control reviews
• Copyedit high-stakes test materials and technical reports and review for alignment to Chicago Manual of Style as well as in-house style guides and other conventions
• Draft and review alt text for assessment graphics
• Draft and review alt text for statistical graphs and figures within reports
• Prepare audio recording scripts in alignment with style guide and other conventions
• Prepare and review procedural documents
• Coordinate fact checking of assessment materials

Qualifications

The Technical Writer must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in technical writing, English, communications, or other relevant field
• At least two years of experience as a proven technical writer in the context of technical, educational, or accessibility-focused documentation
• Experience with WCAG and other accessibility guidelines

An ideal candidate for the Technical Writer position also has:

• Experience with standardized educational assessments
• Experience with individuals with low-incidence disabilities, such as deaf/hard of hearing and/or blind/low vision populations
• Familiarity with statistical or psychometric reporting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Technical Writer must be able to:

• Work independently with minimal support/supervision
• Work collaboratively across functional teams
• Adapt to competing and changing priorities
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a team
• Exercise independent judgment using trustworthy resources to obtain results
• Closely attend to details without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Effectively coordinate work in a remote environment
• Expertise with the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Professional

The ideal candidate for the Technical Writer role has:

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated skill as an editor and proofreader
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Deep understanding of the Chicago Manual of Style and internal style guides and the and ability to apply them consistently in documents
• Familiarity with accessibility software/tools and augmentative and alternative communication devices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for more than 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

Additional Information

Minimum Compensation: $59,500

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.