Public Engagement and Media Relations Specialist

$79,124 - $128,577/Yr

Howard Hughes Medical Institute - Chevy Chase, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Chevy Chase, MD

251-500 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Public Engagement and Media Relations Specialist at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) plays a crucial role in enhancing the communication skills of HHMI scientists and raising the organization's profile through various channels. This position focuses on building and maintaining relationships with media professionals to effectively pitch and place stories that elevate public awareness of HHMI's mission and contributions to biomedical research. The Specialist will assist in developing public engagement campaigns and training scientists in media communication, thereby supporting HHMI's commitment to discovery science and public trust.

Responsibilities

• Brainstorm and implement public engagement campaigns that engage scientists with broad scientific and nonscientific audiences.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of in-person interviews with scientists at their home institutions and help with onsite media training.
• Serve as a key resource for information and content ideas through developing an understanding of HHMI scientists and programs.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of quarterly public engagement meetings to train scientists in media and social media communication.
• Build and maintain relationships with media and peer organization professionals, understanding and monitoring the interests of key media outlets to pitch stories about HHMI programs and priorities effectively.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations with a focus on data and analytics.
• Identify interview opportunities to pitch HHMI scientists as event speakers or research experts.
• Manage an editorial calendar for storytelling, media pitching, and social media campaigns around opportunities such as trending topics in science or cause-centered/awareness months.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in Communications and Media Relations.
• Experience training others in media interview and social media skills.
• Proven success in pitching and placing science-related media stories.
• Experience leading external production teams.
• Ability to translate scientific text for broader audiences.
• Strong storytelling skills and audience understanding.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail and a passion for creativity.
• Creative thinker with sound judgment and initiative that encourages open exchange of ideas.
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• Competitive compensation package including up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year
• Significant budget for professional development
• Healthy work-life balance