Communications Specialist

Job Responsibilities:

Develop, write, edit, and coordinate external communications materials for scientific, research, and programmatic initiatives, including web content, articles, announcements, newsletters, fact sheets, success stories, talking points, briefing materials, and other stakeholder communications.
Translate complex biomedical, scientific, and technical information into clear, concise, and engaging content appropriate for scientific audiences, stakeholders, partners, and the general public.
Develop and maintain content for public-facing websites and digital communication channels, ensuring information is accurate, current, accessible, and consistent with organizational standards.
Support communications surrounding research programs, funding opportunities, scientific initiatives, events, workshops, conferences, and other organizational activities.
Collaborate with scientists, program officials, leadership, and subject matter experts to gather information and develop communications that accurately represent scientific activities and organizational priorities.
Interview researchers, program staff, and subject matter experts and transform technical information into compelling research highlights, impact stories, and feature content.
Draft and edit communications for external stakeholders, including researchers, professional organizations, partner organizations, and members of the public.
Support development of communications plans and content calendars for major initiatives, announcements, campaigns, events, and program milestones.
Coordinate content development and review processes, incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders and ensuring materials receive appropriate review and approval prior to publication.
Ensure communications adhere to applicable federal communications, accessibility, plain-language, branding, and editorial requirements.
Review and edit materials for grammar, clarity, tone, consistency, scientific accuracy, audience appropriateness, and adherence to established style guidelines.
Support development of presentations, graphics, digital content, and other visual communications in collaboration with communications and program staff.
Track communications activities and support reporting on outreach efforts, deliverables, engagement, and other communications metrics.
Maintain organized repositories of communications materials, templates, approved messaging, photographs, graphics, and other digital assets.
Provide communications support for additional projects and initiatives as organizational priorities evolve.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, Science Communication, or a related field.
Demonstrated professional experience developing communications for external audiences.
Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to take complex or technical subject matter and develop clear, audience-appropriate communications.
Experience developing content for websites, newsletters, articles, announcements, reports, or other digital communications.
Familiarity with plain-language principles, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and federal communications standards.
Experience developing or coordinating multimedia communications, including graphics, photography, video, social media, or other digital content.
Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple assignments and competing deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to independently manage communications assignments from initial concept and information gathering through drafting, review, revision, and final publication.
Experience supporting communications within a federal government, biomedical research, scientific, healthcare, public health, or academic research environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.