Social Media 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 Social Media Specialist will be responsible for pitching and implementing original content for a variety of social media channels, including Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook. They will monitor trends, report on analytics, and be an expert on all things social media. Understanding audiences and channels and creating high-quality text and visual content that resonates is critical. Through creative storytelling, this role will bring to life the work and people of HHMI, from groundbreaking scientists and their research to the dedicated teams supporting our mission.

This position reports to the Director, Visual and Social Media Communications and is located at HHMI’s headquarters. They will report in person 2 days a week to Chevy Chase, MD.
 

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 redefine HHMI’s approach to social media, and a chance to innovate our social media presence.

• 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:

• Pitch, develop, and schedule strategic content for HHMI’s social media channels, ensuring the content aligns with tone, accuracy, and visual standards.

• Create engaging text and visual content (e.g., Instagram Reels) to reach and grow new audiences.

• Collaborate with the social media manager and other team members and departments to create content supporting HHMI’s priorities and establish a standard approach to social media planning.

• Monitor social media channels to engage with followers, maintaining consistent brand voice and identity across all channels.

• Create weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on social media analytics to make recommendations on future content.

• Explore emerging social platforms, audiences, and tools.

• Support live video production, including scheduling, training, and promotion.

What you bring:

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

• 4-6 years of experience running and creating content for social media.

• Experience crafting branded social media content, and being able to translate complex topics for broader audiences.

• Strong storytelling skills and knowledge of what resonates with audiences across various mediums.

• Proficiency in creating and editing visuals (e.g., Instagram Reels, TikTok): Adobe or Canva experience is a plus.

• Strong project management, writing, and communication skills.

• Experience with paid social campaigns, ad placements, and boosting posts.

• Strong understanding of strategic social media practices and major platforms (e.g., Youtube, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Reddit).

• Ability to quickly learn and use social media tools; experience with Sprinklr is a plus.

Application Instructions: 

To apply, please submit a resume and a brief, one-page cover letter (required) stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements, and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission. We encourage qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States to apply.

Please note we are not able to sponsor a visa for this position. 

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

$78,235.20 (minimum) - $97,794.00 (midpoint) - $127,132.20 (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