Senior Speechwriter / Thought Leadership Writer (Contract)
Remote
C&S
Date Posted: 3/12/2026
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.
Contract Details
Type: Independent contractor
Duration: Project-based through June 30
Location: Remote
Compensation: Approximately $25,000 for the project scope
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.
How to Apply
Please submit on Idealist https://ideali.st/pjMZPL
Resume or portfolio
2–3 examples of speeches, op-eds, or essays
A brief note explaining why this work interests you