Communications Content Specialist

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary: 

The Communications Content Specialist will support science and employee communications by creating, editing, and publishing a variety of written and visual storytelling projects.

This role will collaborate with stakeholders across the Institute on content such as scientist bios, program materials, and compelling stories about HHMI labs, open science, lab culture, and other communications priorities, as well as content to support Operations department needs.

The Communications Content Specialist works a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, and reports to the Science Outreach Officer. Occasional travel to HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, and to HHMI labs at host sites may be required.

This position will remain open until May 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, after which applications will no longer be accepted.

What we offer:

• Meaningful Work: Engage in storytelling that showcases groundbreaking science, inspiring researchers, and the vibrant culture of HHMI and its scientific labs.

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate scientists, creative professionals, and dedicated communicators who value teamwork, curiosity, and innovation.

• Professional Growth: Access ongoing learning opportunities and exposure to a wide range of communications projects and scientific initiatives.

• Creative Freedom: Contribute to a variety of content formats—from articles to video—within a supportive and strategically aligned communications environment.

• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

What you will do:

• Work closely with stakeholders to plan, create, and implement communications for operational and programmatic initiatives.

• Craft communications that highlight HHMI’s programs, people, and research, working closely with the Science Outreach Officer on the selection of prioritized subjects. Interview HHMI employees across career stages and types. Produce content ranging from technical to broadly engaging.

• Source and develop engaging stories that align with strategy and focus on employees and teams working directly in support of HHMI’s discovery science and science education mission, highlighting their achievements, career journeys, and contributions to the Institute.

• Collaborate with creative professionals inside and outside the organization to produce high-quality content in a variety of forms, including articles, videos, digital signage, social media posts, and images/graphics.

• Manage the content lifecycle, including ideation, planning, creation, editing, and publishing across HHMI’s channels (internal newsletter, intranet, digital signage, and social media).  Ensure that all content is thoroughly vetted through HHMI’s review process.

• Support work across the Marketing and Internal Communications team through campaign and project work.

• Analyze content performance metrics and audience feedback to continuously improve and refine strategies.

• Develop an understanding of HHMI’s vision, strategic priorities, organizational structure, operational and programmatic activities, and communications needs to better support information-sharing.

• Actively collaborate with Marketing, Internal Communications, Leadership Communications, and External Relations team members to integrate internal and external communications.

• Create and transform content for a variety of audiences and channels. Serve as a backup to make any necessary content updates to internal communications channels.

• Stay abreast of internal and external communications best practices.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Five plus years of communications experience, with experience in both internal and external communications.

• Experience producing multi-media content (digital, video, print).

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment with a range of stakeholders, including HHMI scientists and senior leaders.

• Excellent writing and editing skills that reflect an ability to simplify complicated and technical subject matter with a versatility in tone and format depending on the author and/or audience.

• Good critical thinking and strategic skills are necessary to understand organizational dynamics and tailor communications accordingly.

• Good organizational and time-management skills. This includes being responsive, communicative, and consistent.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with minimal guidance.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with designers and creative teams, including in-house experts and vendor resources.

• Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling way.

• Experience with web content management and measurement platforms. Knowledge of SharePoint Online

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and PowerPoint

• Familiarity with email communications platforms, like Constant Contact or Workshop a plus.

• Familiarity with digital signage platforms.

• Familiarity with Asana or similar work management tools.

• Must be able to identify and work toward outcomes, not outputs, with an approach that prioritizes both quality and creativity.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-BG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$74,536.80 (minimum) - $93,171.00 (midpoint) - $121,122.30 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer