Communications Content Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Content Specialist

🔹 Company: Howard Hughes Medical Institute

🔹 Location: Napi Headquarters, New Mexico, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3-day workweek on-site)

🔹 Category: Communications, Content Creation

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating, editing, and publishing written and visual storytelling projects
• Collaborating with stakeholders to highlight HHMI’s programs, people, and research
• Producing content for various audiences and channels, including internal newsletter, intranet, digital signage, and social media
• Supporting operational and programmatic initiatives through effective communication
• Actively contributing to a collaborative and creative work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both internal and external communications, as well as the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including HHMI scientists and senior leaders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Work closely with stakeholders to plan, create, and implement communications for operational and programmatic initiatives

✅ Craft communications that highlight HHMI’s programs, people, and research, working closely with the Science Outreach Officer on the selection of prioritized subjects

✅ Source and develop engaging stories that align with strategy and focus on employees and teams working directly in support of HHMI’s discovery science and science education mission

✅ Collaborate with creative professionals inside and outside the organization to produce high-quality content in a variety of forms

✅ Manage the content lifecycle, including ideation, planning, creation, editing, and publishing across HHMI’s channels

✅ Support work across the Marketing and Internal Communications team through campaign and project work

✅ Analyze content performance metrics and audience feedback to continuously improve and refine strategies

✅ Develop an understanding of HHMI’s vision, strategic priorities, organizational structure, operational and programmatic activities, and communications needs to better support information-sharing

✅ Actively collaborate with Marketing, Internal Communications, Leadership Communications, and External Relations team members to integrate internal and external communications

✅ Create and transform content for a variety of audiences and channels. Serve as a backup to make any necessary content updates to internal communications channels

✅ Stay abreast of internal and external communications best practices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to work independently with minimal guidance.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: Five plus years of communications experience, with experience in both internal and external communications

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complicated and technical subject matter
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment with a range of stakeholders
• Good critical thinking and strategic skills to understand organizational dynamics and tailor communications accordingly
• Good organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with minimal guidance
• Ability to collaborate effectively with designers and creative teams
• Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling way
• Experience with web content management and measurement platforms. Knowledge of SharePoint Online
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with digital signage platforms
• Familiarity with Asana or similar work management tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in multimedia content production and familiarity with email communications platforms and workshop tools will be highly valued.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,536.80 (minimum) - $93,171.00 (midpoint) - $121,122.30 (maximum)

Benefits:

• Healthcare
• Retirement Contributions
• Paid Leave
• Professional Development

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on HHMI’s salary structure, which is developed based on relevant job market data. The midpoint of the range is typically used for new hires in this position and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Research Services, focusing on biomedical research and science education

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, with a collaborative and adaptable work environment

Founded: 1953, with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education for the benefit of humanity

Company Description:

• HHMI is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and science educators with the potential for transformative impact
• The organization encourages collaborative and results-driven working styles and offers an adaptable environment where employees can function at their highest level
• HHMI’s scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, making a difference through their contributions

Company Specialties:

• Scientific Research
• Science Education
• Biomedical Research
• Curriculum Materials
• Documentary Films

Company Website: http://www.hhmi.org

ASSUMPTION: HHMI values diversity and inclusion, offering equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a wide range of communications projects and scientific initiatives

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Science Outreach Officer

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a three-day workweek on-site at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, and occasional travel to HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, and to HHMI labs at host sites

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to a variety of content formats and scientific initiatives
• Ongoing learning opportunities and professional development
• Potential for career advancement within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a three-day workweek on-site at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD

Office Location(s): 4000 Jones Bridge Rd, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, US

Geographic Context:

• HHMI’s Headquarters is located in the greater Washington, DC metro area
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a diverse range of neighborhoods
• The headquarters is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby dining and shopping options

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work two days per week

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their productivity and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and team members
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Critical thinking and strategic skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with HHMI’s mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of HHMI’s mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your writing and editing work, showcasing your ability to simplify complex and technical subject matter

ATS Keywords: Communications, Content Creation, Editing, Storytelling, Interpersonal Skills, Writing, Critical Thinking, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Collaboration, Web Content Management, Microsoft Office Suite, Digital Content Production, Audience Analysis, Project Management, Confidentiality

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences, demonstrating their fit for the role and alignment with HHMI’s mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint)
• SharePoint Online
• Asana or similar work management tools (preferred)
• Digital signage platforms (preferred)
• Email communications platforms, like Constant Contact or Workshop (preferred)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. HHMI offers training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Adaptability

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Results-driven
• Adaptable
• Creative
• Strategic

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative work environment?
• Are you able to maintain confidentiality and work with minimal guidance?
• Do you have strong organizational and time-management skills?
• Are you comfortable working with a range of stakeholders, including HHMI scientists and senior leaders?
• Do you have a strong understanding of both internal and external communications?

ASSUMPTION: HHMI values employees who are collaborative, creative, and adaptable, with strong communication and organizational skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders and projects
• Managing content across various channels and platforms
• Working with minimal guidance and maintaining confidentiality
• Keeping up with internal and external communications best practices
• Occasional travel to HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, and to HHMI labs at host sites

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on both internal and external communications, as well as its emphasis on storytelling and multimedia content production
• Unlike related positions, this role requires a strong understanding of both internal and external communications and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Career paths within HHMI may include opportunities for advancement within the communications department or transition to other areas of the organization, such as science education or biomedical research

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a series of articles highlighting HHMI’s programs, people, and research for the internal newsletter
• Producing a multimedia campaign showcasing HHMI’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and education
• Developing a comprehensive content strategy for a new HHMI initiative, including messaging, tone, and channel selection

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of content creation and strategic communication opportunities available in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support HHMI’s mission and strategic priorities?
• What are the key challenges facing the communications department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within HHMI?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the organization?
• How does HHMI support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help applicants better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare examples of your writing and editing work, showcasing your ability to simplify complex and technical subject matter
• Prepare for your interview by researching HHMI’s mission, values, and recent initiatives
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.