Senior Speechwriter/Thought Leadership Writer (Contract)

Contract Details

• • Type: Independent contractor
  • Duration: Project-based through June 30
  • Location: Remote
  • Compensation: Approximately $25,000 for the project scope

Great leaders don’t just share ideas. They help people see the world differently.

C&S is seeking a Senior Speechwriter and Thought Leadership Writer to help shape the public voice of our president, Rajiv Vinnakota.

This role is designed for a writer of ideas—someone who can translate emerging insights about civic life, education, and the next generation into compelling speeches, columns, and opinion writing.

We are particularly interested in writers with experience shaping arguments help people understand a problem or idea in a new way.

The Work

The contractor will work closely with Raj and the Chief Communications Officer to develop written thought leadership across several formats.

Between now and June 30, the primary outputs include:

• • Bi-weekly Forbes column (approximately 6 columns)
  • 3 op-eds for national or sector publications
  • Refinement of Raj’s core stump speech

The writing will explore themes at the intersection of higher education, civic life, trust, and the future of work, including how young people develop the civic skills needed to move the country forward.

Who This Role Is For

This role is best suited for someone who enjoys writing ideas, not just content.

Strong candidates may come from backgrounds in:

• • Speechwriting
  • Opinion journalism
  • Thought leadership strategy

You may be a good fit if you:

• • Are an exceptional writer with a strong editorial voice
  • Can turn complex ideas into clear, persuasive arguments
  • Are comfortable collaborating closely with a principal

Helpful, but not required:

• • Experience in higher education, civic engagement, workforce development, or democracy

A Note on Fit

If you enjoy writing speeches, essays, or opinion pieces that help audiences see an issue in a new way, this role may be a strong fit. The goal is to amplify Raj’s voice and ideas based on an established thought leadership strategy.

About C&S

Founded in 1945 as the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, C&S (cands.org) sparks young people to create bold, fresh civic solutions that move our country forward.

Guided by the Power of &, C&S is grounded in a simple belief: young people with ideas—not institutions with ideologies—make our country stronger. At a time of deep division and rapid change, we meet young people where they are—on campuses, in workplaces, and in communities—and equip them with the civic skills, support, and real-world opportunities to lead change.

Across all of our work, C&S helps young people practice three essential civic skills: having productive conversations, using credible information, and collaborating to create solutions.

By 2029, C&S aims to spark 20 million young people to step up as civic problem-solvers.

This is a contract position and does not offer benefits.