📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Writer
🔹 Company: Prison Fellowship
🔹 Location: Leesburg, Virginia, United States (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (with occasional travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting compelling stories about Prison Fellowship's impact on those affected by incarceration
- Writing thought leadership pieces, ministry messaging, web copy, and case statements
- Serving as an editor and proofreader for various projects
- Conducting interviews and traveling to ministry program sites to gather story material
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong writing skills, and the ability to adapt to different audiences and channels.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write thought leadership/op-ed pieces, ministry messaging, web copy, blog posts, case statements, and other high-level projects
✅ Write stories for website, Inside Journal, partners' reports, and other deliverables
✅ Serve as editor/proofreader as needed
✅ Conduct phone/virtual interviews to develop stories
✅ Travel to ministry program sites as needed to secure story material
✅ Collaborate with graphic design, digital, and project management teams to ensure smooth workflows
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative writing, editing, and project management tasks, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field, or equivalent experience
Experience: 8+ years of experience as a professional writer
Required Skills:
- Proven writing expertise with a strong portfolio demonstrating breadth of ability and experience
- Familiarity with a marketing narrative framework (like StoryBrand) a plus
- Strong knowledge of editing, proofreading, writing, and marketing best practices
- Deep understanding of storytelling structure and pacing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated proficiency with AP style
- Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with project management; content management systems preferred
- Basic understanding of SEO principles
- Professional presentation on phone and in person
- Ability to tailor messaging to suit needs and perspectives of varied audiences
- Ability to write both tight sales copy and well-developed narrative and opinion pieces
- Keen attention to detail with proven ability to work remotely
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with the criminal justice system and/or non-profit sector
- Experience with Christian organizations or values-driven work environments
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the organization, candidates should have a strong commitment to Christian values and be comfortable working in a faith-based environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $69,000 - $80,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement account funding and flexible spending accounts
- Paid maternity and parental leave benefits
- Paid leave (14 holidays, 15 vacation days, 10 sick days after one year of employment)
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a 6-10% travel component
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in non-profit organizations. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Prison Fellowship operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on criminal justice reform and prison ministry. The organization has been serving those affected by incarceration since 1976.
Company Size: Prison Fellowship has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: Prison Fellowship was founded in 1976 by Charles Colson, a former Nixon aide who launched the organization after his own incarceration.
Company Description:
- Prison Fellowship is the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit equipping the Church to serve currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families, and to advocate for justice and human dignity.
- The organization facilitates transformation through various programs, including in-prison programming, in-prison training and education, and reentry support.
- Prison Fellowship also advocates for criminal justice reform and mobilizes churches to engage in prison ministry.
Company Specialties:
- Non-Profit Organization
- Criminal Justice Reform
- In-Prison Programming
- In-Prison Training and Education
- Christian Organization
- Angel Tree
- Children and Families
- Advocacy
- Prison Ministry
- Church Mobilization
- and Reentry
Company Website: http://www.prisonfellowship.org
ASSUMPTION: Prison Fellowship's mission and values are deeply rooted in Christian faith, and candidates should be comfortable working in a faith-based environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for experienced writers seeking a senior-level position with significant responsibility and impact.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Writer will report directly to the Director of Communications and may oversee junior writers or interns.
Work Arrangement: This is a remote position with a 6-10% travel component, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership role within the communications department
- Opportunities to expand skills and expertise through collaboration with various teams
- Chance to make a significant impact on the organization's mission and messaging
ASSUMPTION: This role offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a mission-driven organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (with occasional travel)
Office Location(s): Leesburg, Virginia
Geographic Context:
- Leesburg is located in Loudoun County, Virginia, approximately 35 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to major cities and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- The cost of living in Leesburg is generally lower than in nearby metropolitan areas.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate deadlines or events.
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for a flexible work-life balance, with occasional travel required to maintain strong connections with the organization's mission and stakeholders.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- Writing test and/or portfolio review
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Background check and reference checks
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Storytelling ability and creativity
- Alignment with Prison Fellowship's mission and values
- Ability to work independently and remotely
- Collaboration and communication skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include a portfolio of published writing samples demonstrating your breadth of ability and experience
- Prepare for a writing test or assignment as part of the interview process
- Research Prison Fellowship's mission, values, and programs to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the organization
ATS Keywords: Senior Writer, Writing, Editing, Storytelling, Non-profit, Christian Organization, Criminal Justice Reform, Prison Ministry, Communications, Marketing, AP Style, SEO, Project Management, Content Management, Remote Work
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve a writing test or assignment to assess the candidate's skills and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Mission-driven and results-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and flexible
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable working in a faith-based environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Prison Fellowship's mission and values?
- Are you comfortable working in a remote environment with occasional travel?
- Do you have experience working in a non-profit or faith-based organization?
- How do you approach storytelling and crafting compelling narratives for diverse audiences?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a mission-driven, faith-based environment and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Prison Fellowship's values and mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Occasional travel requirements may disrupt work-life balance
- Working remotely may present unique challenges to communication and collaboration
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines may require strong organizational skills and time management
- Sensitive subject matter may require emotional intelligence and cultural competency
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated with strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills, as well as a commitment to Prison Fellowship's mission and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior writing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a mission-driven organization
- Unlike many corporate writing roles, this position requires a strong commitment to Christian values and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system
- Career progression in this role may involve advancing to a leadership position within the communications department or transitioning to a related role within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative writing, editing, and project management responsibilities, with a strong focus on mission-driven storytelling and impact.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing a thought leadership piece on the importance of prison ministry and its impact on recidivism rates
- Crafting a compelling narrative for a fundraising campaign focused on supporting families affected by incarceration
- Editing and proofreading a case statement outlining Prison Fellowship's programs and impact
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of writing and editing tasks required for this role, as well as the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's mission and messaging.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the organization?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the communications department, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Prison Fellowship support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Prison Fellowship engage with and collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and informed questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio of published writing samples demonstrating your breadth of ability and experience
- Prepare for a writing test or assignment as part of the interview process
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
