Science Communications Manager

Summary:

The Science Communications Manager will develop and execute communications strategies to promote HHMI science initiatives and scientists. This role will create, edit, and publish content to showcase the achievements of HHMI employees and increase awareness of HHMI programs within the scientific research community, using a range of tools including digital media, social media, and newsletters.

This role will work closely with the recruitment department on developing content to support their efforts. This role will also develop relationships with Janelia science leadership to highlight the groundbreaking work being done at Janelia, with particular focus on the AI@HHMI initiative.

The Science Communications Manager works a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus and reports to the Director, Employee and Science Communications. This role may require periodic travel to HHMI headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, and to HHMI labs at host sites.

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:

• Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to HHMI’s mission to advance biomedical research and science education, helping to amplify the impact of cutting-edge scientific initiatives.

• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with scientists, leadership, and cross-functional teams at the Janelia Research Campus and across HHMI to craft compelling science communications.

• Creative Storytelling Opportunities: Develop strategic content that highlights groundbreaking work in areas like AI@HHMI and Open Science, reaching key scientific audiences.

• Professional Growth: Engage in intellectually rich, high-impact work with opportunities to pilot new approaches and refine communication strategies.

• 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:

• Develop and execute an editorial strategy to promote the work of HHMI and its scientists to key audiences within the scientific community.

• Manage the content lifecycle for scientific communications: generate ideas, draft and edit content, manage freelancers when necessary, and prepare work for publication on various channels to create high-quality communications that further the Institute's goals.

• Develop a deep understanding of Janelia science initiatives and maintain strong relationships with Janelia science leadership and scientists to source stories that showcase Janelia science's achievements.

• Work collaboratively with other departments, such as Recruiting, to support their scientific content needs.

• Create compelling science storytelling content that champions AI@HHMI, Open Science, and other initiatives identified by HHMI, Marketing, Internal Communications, Leadership Communication, and External Relations leadership.

• Understand HHMI’s target audiences for communications content and tailor content and communications strategies to maximize impact with those audiences.

• Develop content for use across HHMI’s channels, modifying format and language to appeal to each channel’s intended audience. Pilot new approaches, and measure and report outcomes.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the communications team to determine channel and campaign needs and resource outcomes. Assign work as needed to freelancers and others on the team; manage and edit their contributions.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in Communications or a science-related field is a plus.

• Seven to twelve years of experience in communications and content creation. Experience in higher education, research settings, or science publications preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to translate technical scientific information into compelling content for a variety of audiences.

• One to three years of practical experience in developing, managing, and executing communications strategy.

• Demonstrated ability to develop targeted, impactful communications strategies.

• Willingness to own content creation from idea generation to publication with a commitment to accurate, high-quality work across a broad range of projects.

• Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance, while aligning to departmental goals, standards, and expectations.

• Demonstrated ability to transform complicated subject matter and a range of source material into coherent, engaging, and accurate communications for a variety of audiences. 

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

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, ability to develop trust and credibility with a wide range of staff, and ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. 

• Must demonstrate success and comfort in working with scientists, academic researchers, or similar professionals in a high-caliber, intellectual environment.

• Positivity and adaptability are necessary to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment where scientists routinely partner with communicators to hatch new ideas.  

• Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills. This includes being responsive, communicative, and reliably consistent.  

• Basic technical proficiency in posting and sharing content via software (email platforms, web content management system, social media content management system).

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

Pay Type:

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