Science Communications Manager

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

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

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology's deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).