Policy and Procedure Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s regulatory environment, the emphasis on policy and procedure writers has never been greater.
As corporate governance evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can create, revise, and uphold our organizational policies and procedures escalates.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a policy and procedure writer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker endeavoring to grasp the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of policy and procedure writing,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we introduce a versatile policy and procedure writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Policy and Procedure Writer Duties and Responsibilities
Policy and Procedure Writers are responsible for creating, editing, and maintaining the formalized documents within an organization.
They ensure all procedures are in alignment with the company’s goals and regulatory requirements.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Research and understand the needs of the organization and its operational procedures
- Develop and write clear, concise, and comprehensive policies and procedures
- Revise, edit, and update existing policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant
- Communicate effectively with various departments to gather necessary information
- Conduct reviews of organizational processes to understand the practical application of procedures
- Coordinate with legal and regulatory bodies to ensure policies align with laws and regulations
- Provide training and guidance to staff regarding new policies and procedures
- Ensure that all documents are organized and easy to access
- Monitor the implementation of policies and procedures, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement
- Use language that is easily understandable to employees, while also being legally sound
Policy and Procedure Writer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a meticulous and proficient Policy and Procedure Writer to join our team.
The Policy and Procedure Writer will be responsible for creating, revising, and implementing company-wide policies and procedures.
Your duties will include researching industry best practices, working closely with department leaders to understand the needs of their teams, and writing clear and concise documents.
Our ideal candidate has excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience in policy and procedure development, and a keen eye for detail.
The role requires someone who can ensure that our policies and procedures meet legal requirements and align with our company’s mission and values.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with various departments to gather information on policy or procedure changes and updates
- Research industry best practices and regulatory requirements
- Write, edit, and revise company policies and procedures
- Ensure all documents are clear and concise and easy to understand
- Coordinate with management to finalize and implement new policies and procedures
- Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices that may affect company policies or procedures
- Conduct regular reviews of existing policies and procedures and update as necessary
- Assist in staff training on new or updated policies and procedures
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Policy and Procedure Writer or similar role
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Detail-oriented with excellent proofreading abilities
- Familiarity with legal regulations and industry best practices
- Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Business, or related field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Policy and Procedure Writer
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for industry seminars or conferences.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Director of Operations.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Policy and Procedure Writer Do?
Policy and Procedure Writers are critical to the operations of many businesses and organizations.
They work primarily in sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and government where clear, comprehensive policies and procedures are needed to maintain order, ensure consistency, and comply with regulatory standards.
Their main task is to develop, write, and revise policy and procedure documents for the organization.
These documents provide guidelines for the activities and operations of various departments, and they ensure all employees understand their roles and responsibilities.
Policy and Procedure Writers are responsible for working closely with subject matter experts, management, and legal teams to gather information and ensure the documents they produce are accurate, clear, and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
They also need to regularly review and update existing policies and procedures to reflect changes in the law or the organization’s operations.
In addition, they may be tasked with training staff on new or revised policies and procedures.
Policy and Procedure Writers must have excellent written communication skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the organization’s operations and the regulations affecting it.
They must also be capable of handling sensitive information with discretion.
Policy and Procedure Writer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Policy and Procedure Writer should have the skills and qualifications that meet your specific needs, such as:
- Exceptional research skills to gather information about the organization’s policies and procedures and analyze how they affect different departments and roles.
- Excellent written communication skills to write clear, concise, and comprehensive policies and procedures that are easy to understand and follow.
- Strong attention to detail to ensure that no important information is left out and that all policies and procedures are accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
- Problem-solving skills to address any conflicts or inconsistencies within existing policies and procedures.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with various departments and key stakeholders to gather necessary information and to explain the policies and procedures.
- Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- A deep understanding of legal and ethical standards related to policy writing and the ability to ensure that all policies and procedures comply with these standards.
- Experience with policy management software or similar tools to create, distribute, and monitor policy and procedure documents.
Policy and Procedure Writer Experience Requirements
An entry-level Policy and Procedure Writer is typically expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of relevant experience.
This can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or in positions such as Document Control Specialist, Technical Writer, or Compliance Coordinator.
These individuals have usually obtained a significant amount of knowledge and understanding of writing policies and procedures, and are aware of legal and regulatory standards within specific industries.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed skills in creating and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures, conducting research and analysis, and addressing compliance issues.
They may have experience in roles like Policy Analyst, Compliance Manager, or Legal Assistant, which require an in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have a solid background in policy development, management, and enforcement.
They are often skilled in conducting audits, providing training and guidance to staff about policies, and managing policy revision processes.
They may be ready for senior positions or managerial roles within the organization.
Their experience might also include roles such as Policy and Procedure Manager, Director of Compliance, or Regulatory Affairs Manager.
Policy and Procedure Writer Education and Training Requirements
Policy and Procedure Writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as English, Communications, or Business Administration.
A degree in Law can also be beneficial given the nature of the work.
They need to have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with standard software like Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel, is also important.
Experience in writing, editing, and researching is key to this role.
Some employers may require knowledge of a specific field such as healthcare, finance or technology, depending on the industry.
A background in regulatory compliance or risk management can also be helpful as many policies and procedures need to comply with specific laws and regulations.
Some positions might require candidates to have a master’s degree in a related field.
A certification from the Society for Technical Communication or similar organizations can also be beneficial.
Candidates with a keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills and an ability to work independently are often more successful in this role.
Ongoing professional development in the form of workshops, seminars, or additional courses is also encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest policy changes and writing techniques.
Policy and Procedure Writer Salary Expectations
A Policy and Procedure Writer earns an average salary of $67,457 (USD) per year.
However, this amount can fluctuate depending on factors such as level of experience, industry, and geographical location.
Policy and Procedure Writer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a policy and procedure writer need?
Policy and procedure writers need strong writing and communication skills to effectively draft and explain policies.
They should have strong analytical skills to understand and interpret regulations and laws.
Attention to detail is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the policies.
They should also have good organizational skills to manage multiple policies and revisions.
Do policy and procedure writers need a specific degree?
A specific degree is not necessary, but a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or a similar field can be beneficial.
Some roles may prefer candidates with a degree in Law, Business, or a related field, especially when policies need to comply with complex regulations or laws.
Experience in a specific industry, such as healthcare or finance, may also be valuable.
What should you look for in a policy and procedure writer’s resume?
Look for a strong background in writing and editing, as well as experience in policy development or legal research.
Experience in a specific industry or with particular regulations may be beneficial.
Familiarity with using document management systems or policy management software can also be a plus.
What qualities make a good policy and procedure writer?
A good policy and procedure writer has excellent writing skills, with the ability to write clear, concise, and understandable policies.
They should be detail-oriented, ensuring that all relevant information is included and accurate.
They need to be analytical, capable of interpreting complex regulations or laws and applying them to company policies.
They also need to be diligent and persistent, willing to revise policies as needed and stay up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations.
Is it difficult to hire policy and procedure writers?
The challenge of hiring policy and procedure writers often depends on the industry and the nature of the policies to be written.
For industries with complex regulations or rapidly changing laws, it may be harder to find candidates with the needed expertise.
Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth can help attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it means to be a policy and procedure writer.
And guess what?
It’s not just about typing up documents.
It’s about shaping the operational framework of an organization, one policy, and procedure at a time.
With our comprehensive policy and procedure writer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to rise to the occasion.
But why stop at the surface?
Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to the highest standard.
Remember:
Every policy and procedure is part of a larger operational blueprint.
Let’s create that operational excellence. Together.