Science Outreach Officer

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.

• Purposeful Work: Help shape public understanding of the importance of basic scientific research and support HHMI scientists in becoming compelling science communicators.
• Creative Autonomy: Develop and execute outreach strategies, lead impactful storytelling initiatives, and work directly with scientists and institutional partners across the country.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a diverse and supportive communications team that values innovation, trust, and curiosity. You'll work cross-functionally with experts from science, media, and education.
• Professional Growth: Engage with cutting-edge research, hone your strategic communication skills, and contribute to meaningful public engagement initiatives.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

• Liaise with PIOs at host sites and serve as the main marketing and internal communications point of contact for HHMI scientists.
• Facilitate the review and approval of news stories and award announcements, and key aspects of HHMI's communications and engagement efforts to promote people, science, and programs working with scientists and host institutions, and in coordination with HHMI's Leadership Communications and External Relations team.
• Develop and execute a strategy to select employee and science stories, working closely with Science, Janelia, Tangled Bank, Leadership Communications, External Relations, and P&C.
• Design and lead efforts to make HHMI scientists better communicators about the importance and impact of basic science and their research, including media and other communications training, and how to most effectively use social media. Manage contractors or vendors as needed.
• Work closely with the Digital Communications and Marketing team to produce video shoots and other content with HHMI and Janelia scientists to promote HHMI programs and achievements and tell the story of the importance of basic science and its impact on human health.
• With support from the Communications Content Specialist and Science Communications Manager, create unique, compelling content about our scientists and programs. Attend science meetings and other events to source stories throughout the HHMI scientific community.
• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day supervision for the Communications Content Specialist.
• Work closely with others across the team to facilitate their work.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Seven to ten years of science communications experience, with demonstrated writing and editing, and the ability to translate technical scientific information into compelling content for various audiences.
• Experience in higher education or research settings is required.
• One to three years of practical experience in developing, managing, and executing communications strategy.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance, while aligning to HHMI and departmental goals, standards, and expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to transform complicated subject matter and diverse source material into coherent, engaging, and accurate communications for a variety of audiences.
• Strong critical thinking skills, strategic savvy, and good judgment are necessary to understand organizational dynamics and tailor communications accordingly.
• 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).