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Freelance Script Writer Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Write scripts, design thematic concepts, and direct production workflows for short-form expert ... Manage, review, and direct the creative production schedules of external freelancers, including ...

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Freelance Script Writer information

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How much do freelance script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance script writer in McLean, VA is $23.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance script writer do?

A freelance script writer creates scripts for various media such as films, television shows, commercials, video games, or online videos on a project-by-project basis. Unlike staff writers, freelancers work independently and are hired by clients or production companies to develop original stories, adapt existing material, or revise existing scripts. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, drafting and editing scripts, and collaborating with directors or producers to meet the project's needs.

What does a freelance script writer do?

As a freelance script writer, your duties vary somewhat depending on the needs of your clients, though for the most part you focus on the writing and editing of scripts for video productions. You can write and pitch a screenplay to an agent, who will attempt to sell it to a film production studio, television studio, or other media production company. Some clients hire freelance script writers to help improve existing scripts as part of a writing team, while advertising agencies and commercial production companies hire scriptwriters to create the scripts for video or audio advertising. If a studio or producer hires you or accepts your script pitch, you work on the project on a contract basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance script writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Script Writer, you need excellent storytelling abilities, strong command of language, and a solid understanding of script formatting and structure, usually supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx and knowledge of copyright basics are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication set standout writers apart in collaborating with clients and meeting diverse project needs. These skills are crucial for producing compelling scripts that resonate with audiences and satisfy client expectations in a competitive freelance market.

How do freelance script writers typically collaborate with clients and production teams during a project?

Freelance script writers often work closely with clients, directors, and producers to develop scripts that align with the project's vision. Communication is usually conducted through virtual meetings, emails, or collaborative platforms, where feedback and revisions are exchanged. Writers may be involved in brainstorming sessions, table reads, or script workshops to refine their work. Maintaining flexibility and openness to feedback is essential, as scripts often undergo multiple drafts based on collaborative input. Building strong professional relationships and clear communication channels helps ensure a smooth workflow and successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Script Writer vs Screenwriter?

AspectFreelance Script WriterScreenwriter
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, sometimes film/TV coursesFilm/TV writing background, often with industry training
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or client sitesStudio, production company, or freelance
Employer/IndustryClients across various industries, including advertising, entertainmentFilm, TV, streaming platforms
Search/Comparison IntentSeeking freelance writing opportunities, script projectsSeeking professional script development for media

Freelance Script Writers typically work independently on diverse projects for various clients, often remotely. Screenwriters focus on creating scripts specifically for film or television productions, often within the entertainment industry. While both roles require strong writing skills, screenwriters usually have industry-specific experience and may work within production environments, whereas freelance script writers have more flexibility and diverse client bases.

How do I get a job as a freelance script writer?

To become a freelance script writer, build a portfolio of writing samples, gain experience through internships or smaller projects, and create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Strong storytelling skills, knowledge of industry formats, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential for securing clients and projects.

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For Freelance Script Writer jobs in McLean, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Script Writer jobs in McLean, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Script Writer jobs in McLean, VA are:

What cities near McLean, VA are hiring for Freelance Script Writer jobs?

Cities near McLean, VA with the most Freelance Script Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Script Writer job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,663 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Content Marketing Manager

Lehighbar

Washington, DC • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.

Through its thought leadership, convenings, and trusted analysis, SEPA helps its members navigate change and implement solutions that advance the energy system of the future. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s work focuses on three core priorities:

  • Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable.
  • Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably.
  • Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress.

With nearly than 1,000 member organizations, SEPA serves as a neutral, collaborative platform that drives progress through education, connection, and shared action—helping the energy industry realize a future that works for everyone.

Job Description

SEPA is seeking a highly collaborative, strategic, and impact-driven Content Marketing Manager to translate SEPA’s complex technical research, datasets, and programmatic and educational initiatives into compelling content for external audiences and stakeholders. This role serves as a marketing partner to our Research & Industry Strategy (R&IS) team, ensuring our research initiatives provide both impact to the wider energy ecosystem, as well as value to our current and future members. This Marketing Manager will write original copy and collaborate with contract and internal creatives on new and innovative ways to elevate SEPA’s voice as an agenda-setting authority in the energy conversation, including video, animations, and other interactive content.

This position reports to the Director, Marketing Strategy & Engagement and works closely with the Marketing team, External Communications team, and our internal subject matter experts to ensure all communications align with SEPA’s master narrative and messaging priorities.

Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas Campaign Launch Strategy & Research Content Creation
  • Engage with the Research & Industry Strategy (R&IS) team during project ideation to gain early visibility into research drafts, datasets, and launch timelines, guiding technical initiatives into integrated marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborate with the Research & Industry Strategy team to translate complex research and dataset findings into engaging, scroll-stopping copy for executive summaries, blogs, email sequences, feature web pages and other content.
  • Write, edit, and refine external-facing content, including executive summaries, blogs, and landing page content for flagship research reports and briefs, translating complex industry concepts into clear, value-driven language that aligns with SEPA's organizational voice and brand guidelines.
  • Collaborate with the broader External Communications team to identify prominent news-cycle topics within upcoming research that can be leveraged for proactive media pitches, blog posts, digital commentary, and thought leadership, ensuring a unified voice across marketing and communications efforts.
Multimedia Storytelling & Creative Production
  • Write scripts, design thematic concepts, and direct production workflows for short-form expert videos, motion graphics, and interactive online visual galleries that bring SEPA’s research narratives and SEPA Academy offerings to life.
  • Manage, review, and direct the creative production schedules of external freelancers, including graphic designers, videographers, and animators to elevate SEPA’s digital brand presence.
  • Partner with the Social Media Manager and Digital Marketing Manager to co-create engaging content needed to fuel multi-channel digital campaigns.
Co-Branded Research Partner Marketing
  • Develop and execute compelling multi-channel promotional plans to grow audience participation, build awareness, and drive enrollment for SEPA working groups and master classes, and other online learning offerings.
  • Act as the primary marketing point of contact and project manager for high-profile, co-branded initiatives with external partner organizations.
  • Coordinate joint marketing workflows and shared asset toolkits with external co-branded partner organizations to maximize the collective reach of joint programs.
  • 5+ years of progressive professional experience in content marketing, brand communications, public sector or association marketing, product marketing, or partner marketing.
  • Exceptional copywriting, editing and storytelling skills, with a proven ability to translate complex, technical data or regulatory concepts into engaging content across written and visual mediums.
  • Hands-on experience directing or storyboarding new content formats, including short-form video, motion graphics, or visual layouts, while managing external creative contractors (designers/videographers).
  • Experience working alongside technical subject matter experts, researchers, or analysts is a plus.
  • Exceptional collaborative communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of acting as an approachable, effective internal partner across complex, cross-functional divisions.
  • Familiarity with project management platforms and the ability to balance multiple campaign timelines simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment. Experience with Monday.com is a plus.
  • Passion for clean energy or experience in the energy industry is a plus.
Our Culture

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.

ADA Requirements and Disclaimer

This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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