Overview
Skills
Job Details
About the Role:
The Virginia Department of Elections (ELECT) is seeking a skilled Technical Writer to develop clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation for complex technical products. This position plays a critical role in translating technical concepts into accessible information for internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will create high-quality documentation for a cloud-based software development project currently underway, supporting Agile development teams with user guides, API documentation, release notes, and other deliverables.
Key Responsibilities:
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and accessible documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate with developers, product managers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to produce high-quality user guides, manuals, API documentation, release notes, and standard operating procedures.
- Manage multiple documentation projects, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining high quality and accuracy.
- Maintain version control and follow structured documentation review practices.
- Ensure compliance with agency documentation standards, formatting guidelines, and accessibility requirements.
- Review and understand code snippets to accurately document software functionality.
- Support Agile teams by participating in Scrum ceremonies, providing technical writing input, and maintaining documentation aligned with iterative software releases.
- Incorporate visuals, diagrams, and screenshots into documentation to enhance clarity.
Required/Desired Skills
| Skill | Required /Desired | Amount | Actual years of Experience |
| Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Communication, Computer Science, or a related field. | Required | 5 | |
| Minimum of 5 + years of experience in technical writing, preferably in a government or technology environment. | Required | 5 | |
| Expert in the use of MS Word, Google Docs, Confluence, or similar tools. | Required | 5 | |
| Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, SnagIT, or similar tools for visuals. | Required | 5 | |
| Experience with Git or other version control systems at the contributor or read only level and documentation platforms such as GitBook or similar. | Required | 5 | |
| Understanding of Scrum/Agile methodology. | Required | 5 | |
| Familiarity with REST APIs, JSON, and software architecture concepts. | Required | 5 | |
| Ability to read code snippets. | Required | 5 | |
| Excellent written and verbal communication skills, clarity and attention to detail in written products. | Required | 5 | |
| Experience creating, editing, and maintaining technical documentation including manuals, user guides, standard operating procedure, and etc. | Required | 5 | |
| Ability to interview subject matter experts (SMEs) and distill complex information. | Required | 5 | |
| Experience with government documentation and standards and accessibility compliance. | Highly desired | 5 | |
| Familiarity with diagramming tools (Lucidchart, Draw.io, etc.) highly desired. | Highly desired | 5 | |
| Basic knowledge of programming languages or IT systems. | Highly desired | 5 | |
| Experience with UX writing is highly desirable. | Highly desired | 5 | |
| Knowledge of programming languages, such as Markdown and HTML/CSS. | Highly desired | 5 | |
| Experience writing for software products. (SaaS, desktop, or mobile) | Highly desired | 5 |