Contract \ Contract-to-Hire Technical Writer (Foster City, CA)
Job Description
Our very high-visibility client is in the process of introducing new policies, processes and software tools to enhance the already tight security standards applied to their products and services. Specifically, this project will introduce new levels of security assurance during the software development and implementation process, referred to as the Secure System Development Life Cycle. The program will require the services of a flexible, dynamic, and talented business and technical communications professional to assist in the documentation of the new program.
The ideal candidate will have a blended background that demonstrates skills in business analysis, technical writing, website content development, education, and process documentation. Position will be focusing on taking technical terms and translating them to business terms. The ideal candidate will have done a similar project in the past. The Technical Writer will be doing a lot of interacting with the Program Manager.
Major Job Duties:
- Work closely with project and program managers, department managers and subject matter experts at different levels of a fast-paced Information Security department
- Confer to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication
- Produce and review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content and methods of reproduction and binding
- Interview subject matter experts for technical content
- Organize and write policies, standards, processes and procedures based on those interviews
- Document process flows as appropriate
- Design, plan and organize the documentation structure, access and archiving processes for the department
- Facilitate review and edit processes for documents with multiple stakeholders
- Collect, organize and edit content and materials for presentation on internal website
- Write program announcements and related change management communications
Required Qualifications:
- Background that demonstrates a variety of skills in business analysis, technical writing, website content development, education and process documentation
- Experience in technical organizations required, and experience in an information security department preferred
- Overall 5+ years as a business and technical writer is required, with preference given to greater experience
- Skilled at collaboration as well as taking independent direction
- Preference will be given to candidates that have worked on projects with a similar breadth of duties related to setting up new departments as part of enterprise-wide programs, ideally in a security or technology organization
- Verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, customer service and interpersonal skills
- Expert ability to work independently and manage one’s time
- Expert mentoring skills necessary to provide support and constructive performance feedback
- Expert knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
- Expert knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Position must sit in Foster City
Duration of assignment: 12 months with possible extension.