Director, Employee and Science 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, Employee and Science Communications plays a lead role in ensuring that the work of the Institute – particularly its comprehensive programs in scientific research and science education – is effectively communicated to key audiences within and outside the Institute. This role leads a team to manage content highlighting HHMI’s science, programs, and people. The Director oversees internal communications channels and ensures support for Janelia-specific content requests.

The Director, Employee and Science Communications will work collaboratively with Leadership Communications to manage the information flow to and from employees and shape organizational conversation. This role provides oversight on the editorial process for employee communications across HHMI’s various employee populations.

This role works a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and reports to the Senior Director, Marketing and Internal Communications. The incumbent will travel weekly to HHMI's Janelia Research Campus to provide oversight of Communications employees based there and support Janelia’s communications requests.

This position will remain open until May 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, after which applications will no longer be accepted.

What we provide:

• A Meaningful Mission: Contribute to the success of world-class scientific research and science education initiatives that have a lasting global impact.

• Leadership Opportunity: Lead a talented communications team and help shape the voice of the Institute across internal and scientific channels.

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate colleagues committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scientific initiatives and work with leaders across the Institute.

• 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:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for internal communications channels, including Hughes Hub, Hughes News, digital signs at headquarters and Janelia, and Janelia-specific channels.

• Work collaboratively with Leadership Communications to ensure content and messages align with the Institute's goals.

• Develop and provide oversight on strategies to promote HHMI science and science-related initiatives, with a particular focus on AI@HHMI, Open Science, and HHMI scientists.

• Oversee Science Outreach efforts.

• Oversee content creation for websites, newsletters, signage, and other channels. Oversee the editorial process from start to finish, including copyediting to ensure content meets brand standards. Work with the Senior Director to ensure appropriate coordination and direction from HHMI leadership.

• Work closely with the Director, Digital Media and Marketing to evaluate external channel needs, plan editorial calendars, and oversee production pipelines.

• Champion HHMI values by creating an inclusive, collaborative environment focused on excellence and innovation.

• Responsible for the direct and indirect supervision of five (5) employees, including supervision of two (2) Communications employees based at Janelia Research Campus.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Ten plus years of communications experience, includin