Are you an experienced writer-editor passionate about clear communication and helping students navigate federal financial aid? The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) office is hiring for a Writer-Editor (GS-1082-12) position. This remote-eligible federal job offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to impact millions through plain-language content creation.
This permanent full-time role focuses on developing and managing communications for students, parents, borrowers, and higher education stakeholders. With multiple vacancies across the U.S., this opportunity suits skilled communicators with experience in web content, plain language writing, and project management.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Job Title: Writer-Editor, GS-1082-12 (DE)
- Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
- Salary: $89,508 – $145,468 per year (depending on location)
- Locations: Multiple vacancies in San Francisco CA; Denver CO; Washington DC; Atlanta GA; Chicago IL; Boston MA; Kansas City MO; New York NY; Philadelphia PA; Dallas TX; Seattle WA
- Open Period: January 6, 2026 – January 15, 2026 (or until 200 applications received)
- Application Limit: First 200 applicants only – apply early!
- Telework: Eligible (consistent with agency policy)
Why This Writer-Editor Federal Job Stands Out
Federal Student Aid manages communications through its Office of Communications, Outreach and Engagement (OCOE). As a Writer-Editor, you’ll create and update content for websites, publications, emails, and social media. This role emphasizes plain language, user-centered design, and data-driven improvements to make complex financial aid information accessible.
This GS-12 position offers no promotion potential beyond the full performance level (FPL-12) but provides stability, excellent federal benefits, and meaningful public service work.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll:
- Write, update, and review web and print content reflecting changes in laws, regulations, customer feedback, analytics, and best practices.
- Ensure all content follows the FSA Writing Style Guide, uses plain language tailored to audiences, and remains factually accurate.
- Conduct user research, analyze feedback, analytics, and website best practices to inform content strategy and marketing.
- Manage publication development, including schedules for resources and website updates.
- Collaborate with subject-matter experts, designers, and translation teams for timely, high-quality deliverables.
- Prepare reports using data from systems and team sources.
These duties demand strong writing skills, project management, and a commitment to human-centered communication.
Qualifications and Requirements for GS-12 Writer-Editor
To qualify at the GS-12 level, you need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including at least two of the following three:
- Developing written materials in plain English for diverse audiences (general public and professionals).
- Writing and editing website content on complex programs, policies, or processes, following web best practices.
- Leading multi-step communication projects involving research, writing, review, editing, approval, and dissemination.
Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade.
Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) include:
- Writing and editing in plain language with proper grammar.
- Applying customer experience and human-centered design principles.
- Independently managing projects.
- Collaborating and leading teams.
Additional conditions:
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Background investigation required.
- Possible one-year probationary period.
- Males born after 1959 must register with Selective Service.
- No relocation expenses paid.
How to Apply for This Federal Writer-Editor Position
Apply through USAJOBS before the cutoff:
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Build or upload a resume (limit to 2 pages, font size 10+).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents.
Required Documents:
- Resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Veteran’s preference documents (if applicable, e.g., DD-214, SF-15).
- CTAP/ICTAP proof (if eligible).
Submit by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date or when 200 applications are received—whichever comes first. Update your application anytime while open.
Benefits of Working as a Federal Employee at Department of Education
Enjoy a comprehensive package, including:
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Retirement plans with matching.
- Paid leave, holidays, and flexible schedules.
- Potential incentives: Recruitment bonus, relocation incentive, or student loan repayment (with service agreement).
- Family-friendly policies like excused leave for parent-teacher conferences or health screenings.
Learn more about federal benefits on USAJOBS.
Final Tips for Applying to This USAJOBS Writer-Editor Job
Tailor your resume to the qualifications and KSAs. Highlight plain language writing, web content experience, and project leadership. With only 200 spots, submit your application ASAP!
This is a public announcement open to U.S. citizens and certain career transition eligibles.
Source: Official USAJOBS Listing – https://www.usajobs.gov/job/853616100 (Announcement Number: FSA-2026-0022, Control Number: 853616100)