Job Description
Job DescriptionAbout Akoya
We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.
Senior Speechwriter
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Speechwriter to support senior government leaders, from the Secretary’s office down. This role requires a seasoned writer with impeccable judgment, political and institutional acuity, and the ability to build trust with high-profile leaders while proactively anticipating communications needs in fast-moving environments.
This is a highly visible, high-impact role for a strategic thinker who pairs elite writing skill with emotional intelligence, discretion, and proactive leadership.
This role is ideal for a trusted advisor, someone who can not only write beautifully, but who also reads people and rooms, anticipates leadership needs, and elevates every public moment through preparation, strategy, and poise.
Key responsibilities for the Senior Speechwriter will include:
- Serving as lead speechwriter for federal agency leaders.
- Drafting, editing, and refining speeches, remarks, talking points, op-eds, and special addresses for high-stakes audiences including Congress, global audiences, industry leaders, and the media.
- Translating complex policy, scientific, technical, or diplomatic content into compelling, accessible, and persuasive narrative.
- Advising principals on tone, message strategy, audience dynamics, and delivery.
- Proactively identify upcoming moments, risks, and opportunities for executive communications.
- Partnering closely with chiefs of staff, policy leads, public affairs, protocol, and advance teams to ensure message alignment.
- Always maintaining strict confidentiality and exercise sound political and institutional judgment.
- Rapidly turning high-quality products under tight deadlines and evolving guidance.
Requirements
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of experience. Alternatively, must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 7 years of experience
- Must be based in Washington, D.C. – This onsite role will report to federal client locations daily.
- Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)
- U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
- 7+ years of senior-level speechwriting experience—secretary level in the federal government or C-suite in industry.
- Proven portfolio of high-stakes speeches and remarks for national or international platforms.
- Exceptional command of language, rhetoric, storytelling, and tone across formal and conversational settings.
- Demonstrated ability to work seamlessly with high-profile leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with the confidence to counsel senior leaders directly.
- Track record of being proactive, anticipatory, and solution-oriented in high-pressure environments.
- Absolute discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in federal government, diplomacy, national security, science, energy, health, or international affairs.
- Familiarity with protocol, advance work, and executive briefing processes.
- Active or prior security clearance.
Base Compensation
- Base compensation: $110,000 to $145,000 annually. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as location, education, years of experience, and candidate skillset.
Employee Benefits
Akoya provides generous benefits for its full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) and profit sharing
- Eleven federal holidays and paid time off
- And more!
Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.