Freelance Human Resources Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today's evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.
Summary
The Senior Specialist, HR Technology Content is responsible for developing, producing, and executing high-quality editorial content focused on HR technology, artificial intelligence, people analytics, digital transformation, and organizational change. Serving as a subject matter content expert, this role identifies emerging trends, translates complex technology topics into practical insights for HR professionals, and creates compelling multimedia content that strengthens the organization's reputation as a trusted authority in the HR profession.
This position combines strategic editorial planning with hands-on content creation and requires strong journalistic instincts, exceptional storytelling abilities, and a deep understanding of the evolving HR technology landscape. The Senior Specialist collaborates across internal teams, industry experts, and external partners to ensure content is timely, relevant, accurate, and aligned with organizational priorities and audience needs.
Responsibilities
Editorial Strategy & Content Development

• Independently identify, develop, and execute editorial strategies covering HR technology, artificial intelligence, people analytics, digital transformation, and related workplace trends.
• Research emerging technologies, legislation, and industry developments to identify timely, high-value content opportunities.
• Recommend innovative content approaches that expand audience engagement, strengthen organizational credibility, and support strategic business objectives.
• Develop editorial calendars and contribute to long-term content planning initiatives.

Content Creation & Multimedia Production

• Produce and edit high-quality content across multiple formats, including articles, feature stories, white papers, newsletters, presentations, videos, podcasts, webinars, and other digital assets.
• Translate complex technical concepts into practical, engaging content tailored to HR executives and business leaders.
• Support publication production, newsletters, special reports, and other editorial projects as assigned.
• Ensure all content meets established editorial standards for quality, accuracy, consistency, and brand voice.

Thought Leadership & Industry Expertise

• Serve as an internal resource on HR technology trends, AI, and workforce innovation.
• Cultivate relationships with HR technology leaders, analysts, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to develop exclusive insights and thought leadership content.
• Conduct interviews, gather research, and synthesize information from multiple sources into authoritative editorial content.

Artificial Intelligence & Content Innovation

• Leverage artificial intelligence tools to improve research, writing, editing, content production, and workflow efficiency while maintaining editorial quality and integrity.
• Stay current on emerging AI capabilities and recommend best practices for responsible use within editorial operations.
• Share AI knowledge and effective practices across the content team to improve overall productivity.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Lead assigned content initiatives from concept through publication while managing timelines, priorities, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, freelancers, agencies, designers, and multimedia teams to ensure successful execution of editorial projects.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor content performance using audience engagement, traffic, and other analytics.
• Use performance insights to optimize future content strategies and improve audience reach and engagement.
• Recommend new formats, channels, and storytelling approaches based on data and emerging industry trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

Experience

• Five (5) or more years of professional experience creating editorial content focused on HR technology, business technology, workforce innovation, or related subject matter.
• Demonstrated experience producing content for executive, professional, or business audiences across multiple digital platforms.
• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional writing, storytelling, interviewing, and editorial expertise.
• Experience using content management systems; Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) preferred.
• Experience leveraging content analytics and audience insights to inform editorial decisions.
• Experience using AI-powered content tools and digital publishing technologies preferred.

Certifications - NA
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of HR technology, artificial intelligence, people analytics, workforce transformation, and emerging workplace technologies.
• Strong understanding of HR practices and how technology influences organizational strategy and employee experience.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, accessible content.
• Excellent journalistic skills, including researching, interviewing, fact-checking, and source development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify compelling story opportunities and develop original editorial content with minimal supervision.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships with executives, subject matter experts, analysts, vendors, and industry influencers.
• Strong editorial judgment with a commitment to accuracy, quality, and ethical journalism.
• Proficiency with content management systems, digital publishing platforms, multimedia storytelling tools, and content analytics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret audience data and apply insights to improve content effectiveness.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams while influencing without direct authority.
• Demonstrated adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to improve research, content development, workflow efficiency, productivity, and overall work quality while exercising sound editorial judgment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and advancing the HR profession through trusted, thought-provoking content.

Physical Requirements
This position operates in a typical office environment (which includes a home office setting) and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Environment
Hybrid Schedule (3 Days In-Office/2 Days Remote)
This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00-9:00 a.m. and concluding between 5:00-6:00 p.m. local time.
Travel: Occasional 0 - 10%
#LI
The hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.
Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
SHRM is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran).
We do not sponsor applicants for work visas.