HESI Global Science Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientific staff to develop practical communication and outreach plans for HESI programs, publications, workshops, and other milestones, identifying audiences, messages, channels, and timing.
• Write, edit, and adapt scientific content for different audiences, preserving technical accuracy while making the purpose, findings, limitations, and relevance clear.
• Prepare or lead development of program summaries, research highlights, fact sheets, newsletters, annual report content, and other organizational and program materials.
• Develop and refine PowerPoint presentations, scientific slides, posters, and visual summaries, working with staff to improve structure, readability, and communication of key findings.
• Create and maintain website, email, social media, and other digital content that supports program visibility, engagement, and participation.
• Coordinate content development and scientific review across multiple programs; manage editorial calendars, deadlines, and approvals to deliver timely, accurate materials.
• Establish and apply consistent editorial and visual standards, templates, and accessible formats; provide practical guidance that strengthens staff communication skills.
• Assess communication effectiveness using audience feedback and appropriate engagement measures, and recommend improvements to content and outreach approaches.

Requirements

• At least five years of directly relevant professional experience, ideally seven or more, communicating toxicology, environmental science, biomedical research, or closely related scientific subjects.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality materials for both technical or scientific audiences and generalist audiences, supported by a portfolio of relevant work.
• Excellent scientific writing, editing, and synthesis skills, including the ability to work from publications, technical reports, presentations, and discussions with subject matter experts.
• Experience contributing to communication and outreach strategies and carrying them through content preparation, review, publication, and evaluation.
• Strong presentation development skills, including proficiency in PowerPoint and the ability to turn complex scientific content into clear, professional slides and visual narratives.
• Experience preparing web and digital content and working with website content management systems, email communication platforms, and social media tools.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists across disciplines, exercise sound editorial judgment, incorporate feedback, and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Relevant education or training in communications, journalism, toxicology, environmental science, biomedical science, public health, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Ability to work in HESI Global’s Washington, DC office at least 2–3 days per week.

Preferred

• Experience in a scientific nonprofit, research institute, professional society, public health organization, or collaborative scientific program.
• Familiarity with safety science, risk assessment, regulatory science, or communication of research relevant to human or environmental health.
• Experience developing infographics or other scientific visuals and coordinating with external designers or communication vendors.
• Experience communicating across sectors and with international scientific audiences.
• Experience with graphic design software and integration of novel AI-aided design approaches.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package including paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and additional benefits designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.