Director, Visual and Social Media Communications

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 Director of Visual and Social Media Communications plays the lead role in ensuring that the work of the Institute – particularly its comprehensive programs in scientific research and science education – are effectively communicated through visual (video and photography), social, and digital media platforms. Working with the Chief of Communications, the Director defines overall communications priorities and goals for using our digital tools and platforms that reflect and advance HHMI’s mission.

We are accepting internal applications for the role until Wednesday, May 29. If you are interested in the opportunity, please apply by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 28.

 

What we provide:

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

• The opportunity to build and elevate HHMI’s visual media capabilities using best-in-class resources and experts.

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

• 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:

• Lead all aspects of the development and execution of in-house visual communications capabilities and drive the continued strategic evolution and growth of the social media identity and presence for the Institute.

• Lead the evolution and growth of the Institute’s social media presence, with the goal of disseminating our research and science education initiatives, as well as information about the fundamental importance of basic science, in an engaging and compelling manner.

• Build and lead a Public Engagement program to train scientists across the Institute to be communicators and support the development of storytelling products.

• Direct storytelling activities necessary for the dissemination of information about science and scientists, HHMI research discoveries, HHMI initiatives in research and science education, and the work of HHMI grantees.

• Provide regular reports to leadership about the nature and scope of social media volume, growth, and engagement, including an assessment of its accuracy and appropriateness, as necessary. Help to gauge and manage reputational risks on all HHMI-owned channels.

• Act as a subject matter authority on visual and social media for HHMI; advise the Chief of Communications and other leaders on the Institute’s response to potentially sensitive matters and help shape communications efforts during emergency situations.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with programmatic partners across HHMI to help inform and complete communications needs and priorities.

• Develop and maintain an understanding of HHMI scientists’ work – including HHMI Investigators, Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, and Janelia Group Leaders.

• Provide goals and appropriate levels of autonomy for employees and enable their continued professional development within the context of Institute and departmental performance attributes.

• Supervise freelance contractors and other contributors who support the team; evaluate their effectiveness in carrying out specific assignments.

Application Instructions: 

During the application process, please submit a cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, biology, chemistry or equivalent.

• Master’s degree in relevant field is preferred.

• 10 + years of experience in the communications field, including social media and visual communications expertise with growing supervisory and management-level responsibility involving direct supervision of employees and external resources.

• High level of proficiency with digital technologies, visual media, and social media platforms, tools and analytics.

• A creative, disciplined problem solver who actively seeks and new approaches and ideas to advance the mission of the Institute.

• Ability to translate complex research discoveries into terms that are clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate.

• Proven ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional journalists to advance the Institute’s mission in scientific research and science education.

• Demonstrated appreciation for – and knowledge of – emerging trends in science communication and the public understanding of science.

• Skilled manager who encourages the open exchange of ideas and sharing of information as foundations for enabling autonomy and strong decision-making

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a highly collaborative environment.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; 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 moving 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; however, it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement. 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

$189,008.80 (minimum) - $236,261.00 (midpoint) - $307,139.30 (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