Senior Internal Communications Specialist

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 Senior Internal Communications Specialist will manage and lead strategy for all Institute-wide internal communications channels, including Hughes Hub, Hughes News, and digital signage. This role will be responsible for monitoring internal communications channel performance and optimizing it for user experience and efficacy.

The Senior Internal Communications Specialist will collaborate with stakeholders across the Institute on communications content, particularly supporting operations teams’ projects. This role will develop text and visual content for multiple mediums, including emails, digital signage, and events. This role will also work closely with the Director, Employee and Science Communications, and other team members to regularly evaluate new tools that may advance HHMI’s communications and engagement goals.

The Senior Internal Communications Specialist works a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, and reports to the Director, Employee and Science Communications.

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

What we offer:

• Creative Ownership: Take ownership of HHMI’s internal communications platforms—like Hughes Hub and Hughes News—shaping how information is shared across the Institute to support transparency and engagement.

• Analytical Work: Combine writing, editing, and multimedia production skills with performance analysis to deliver engaging, effective content tailored to internal audiences.

• Collaborative Culture: Work cross-functionally with teams across HHMI, especially operations and leadership, to support major initiatives, change communications, and employee engagement efforts.

• Innovation and Growth: Explore new tools and channels that support organizational goals, staying at the forefront of internal communications practices in a mission-driven setting.

• 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:

• Serve as the business owner for internal communications channels, including Hughes Hub and Hughes News. Coordinate with TSM on technology needs to optimize current channels and consider additional ones.

• In consultation with the Director, Employee and Science Communications, advise and support colleagues from across the organization in developing appropriate communications solutions and managing their communications projects. This includes change communications, the rollout of new Institute-wide initiatives, employee engagement efforts, and general HHMI news updates.

• Conceptualize and create graphics, video, and other audio/visual and written content, working with team members, freelancers, or consultants as needed. 

• Lead the strategy for and actively manage key internal communications software platforms, including Workshop for email and Poppulo for digital signs.

• Monitor channels to measure effectiveness, defining relevant benchmarks, and regularly reporting outcomes.

• Write and edit content for key internal communications channels, including newsletters, email, intranet, and digital signage.

• Collaborate with team members on the steady support of key communications channels, such as intranet content development and review, information architecture, and governance.

• Develop instructional materials and train Hughes Hub content editors, with site governance and best practices in mind.

• Collaborate actively with Communications team members to better integrate internal and external communications, leverage content assets, and develop HHMI’s external and internal reputation.

• Advise stakeholders on communication best practices.

• Plan and monitor projects and daily work to stay on schedule and on track to meet expectations, escalating as needed and adjusting for any challenges that might arise.

• Conceptualize and create graphics, video, and other audio/visual content, working with team members, freelancers, or consultants as needed.  

• Provide communication support for internal events, such as town halls.   

• Develop and ensure proper use of the communications editorial calendar.

• Commit to continuous improvement, including staying abreast of internal communications best practices.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Seven plus years of experience in a similar position, with demonstrated success.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with attention to detail including grammar, style guides, formatting, audiences, and tone. 

• Excellent visual storytelling capability and multimedia experience.

• Ability to research new solutions and tools and to develop proposals and plans to implement them.

• Ability to synthesize information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling way.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain composure and productivity in projects with multiple owners.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, develop trust and credibility with a range of stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance.

• Positivity and adaptability are necessary to thrive in a fast-changing and at times ambiguous environment with tight deadlines.

• Excellent critical thinking and strategic skills are necessary to understand organizational dynamics and tailor communications accordingly.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills. This includes being responsive, communicative, and consistent.

• Compassion, curiosity, energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, patience, self-motivation, and teamwork.

• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite with particular expertise in SharePoint.

• Expertise in Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), experience with Adobe After Effects.

• Strong content management skills.

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 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; 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-BG1

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

Pay Type:

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