Public Engagement and Media Relations 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 HHMI Communications department drives awareness of HHMI’s brand and mission through external and internal communications, with emphasis on four overarching goals: 1) Communicate HHMI’s commitment to discovery science across new and existing channels to inspire public trust and reinforce the value of basic scientific research; 2) Deepen HHMI’s impact by helping to attract an increased pool of talent from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds; 3) Build and implement a Public Engagement program, and 4) Build and protect HHMI’s identity and reputation.

The Specialist will be assisting the Manager of Public Engagement and Media Relations in enhancing the communication skills of HHMI scientists and raising the organization’s profile through various channels. In addition, this role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with members of the media to pitch and place stories to raise the public profile of HHMI.
This position reports to the Manager, Public Engagement and Media Relations, and is located at HHMI’s headquarters. The employee will report in person to Chevy Chase, MD, two days a week.

What we provide:

• A direct role in supporting critical work that impacts HHMI’s mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.  

• In this role, you will have the opportunity to help shape what public engagement looks like at HHMI.

• A team that believes in continuous learning and experimentation, and cultivates an environment where colleagues help each other. 

• A company that fosters a healthy work life balance.

• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year and a significant budget for professional development! 

What you’ll do:

• Brainstorm and implement public engagement campaigns that engage scientists with broad scientific and nonscientific audiences in collaboration with leaders on the team.

• Assist in the planning and coordination of in-person interviews with scientists at their home institutions and help with onsite media training.

• Serve as a key resource for information and content ideas through developing an understanding of HHMI scientists and programs.

• Assist in the planning and implementation of quarterly public engagement meetings to train scientists in media and social media communication.

• Build and maintain relationships with media and peer organization professionals. This includes understanding and monitoring the interests of key media outlets to pitch stories about HHMI programs and priorities effectively.

• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations with a focus on data and analytics. 

• Identify interview opportunities to pitch HHMI scientists as event speakers or research experts.

• Manage an editorial calendar for storytelling, media pitching, and social media campaigns around opportunities such as trending topics in science or cause-centered/awareness months.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 4-6 years of experience in Communications and Media Relations.

• Experience training others in media interview and social media skills.

• Proven success in pitching and placing science-related media stories.

• Experience leading external production teams.

• Ability to translate scientific text for broader audiences.

• Strong storytelling skills and audience understanding.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Attention to detail and a passion for creativity.

• Creative thinker with sound judgment and initiative that encourages open exchange of ideas.

• Ability to work independently in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Application Instructions: 

During the application process, please include work examples or a link to your portfolio. This could be attached as an additional document or added in a CV/resume as a link.

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.

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

$79,124.00 (minimum) - $98,905.00 (midpoint) - $128,576.50 (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 equity 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