Leadership Communications Manager

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 Leadership Communications Manager is an experienced, adept, and versatile writer who directly contributes to the execution of HHMI’s communications strategy through writing and editing a variety of executive communications. Under the direction of the Director, Leadership Communications and External Relations, the Manager will work directly with the President’s Office to support messages, correspondence, and presentations by HHMI’s President, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Vice President and Executive Director of the Janelia Research Campus, Vice President of Science Leadership and Culture, and other senior leaders.

To succeed in this role, you will have expertise in writing in the “voice” of executive leaders, accept ambiguity, act on feedback, and remain focused and positive when circumstances change. The person in this role is expected to be a thought partner to senior leaders, demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills, and develop relationships with various partners. The Manager will also need to ensure that their own activities and approach align with the expectations of the Office of the President. This role requires the agility to work independently and in coordination with others across the Institute.  

This position will report to HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, three days a week in person and work two days remotely.  

What we provide:

• A role uniquely positioned to impact the scientific landscape and organization because of its ability to provide outstanding solutions and support to the executive leadership team at HHMI.  

• An opportunity to evolve and grow in this new role. 

• An organization that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment where colleagues help each other.  

• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement annually and a significant professional development budget. 

What you’ll do:

• Develop compelling executive communications, including speeches, op-eds, presentations, and internal messages.

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to craft content that aligns with their voice and HHMI’s strategic messaging.

• Lead the development of key materials, such as PowerPoint decks, newsletters, and other communication assets.

• Support speaking engagements and ensure consistency in executive messaging across various platforms.

• Adapt quickly to feedback and shifting priorities while maintaining high-quality, impactful communication.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred. 

• 5-10 years of experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or a related field.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a keen ability to adapt to different leadership styles.

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams and leadership levels.

• Experience developing presentations and messaging for high-profile audiences.

• A detail-oriented, proactive approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

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's mission.  Please also include one to two writing samples, preferably written on behalf of a senior leader.

Physical Requirements: 

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; 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 the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).  

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the 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; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  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. #LI-RK1 

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

$107,600.00 (minimum) - $134,500.00 (midpoint) - $174,850.00 (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 consistency 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