ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) creates and manages alliances with public and private institutions in support of the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's premier medical research agency. The Foundation, also known as the FNIH, works with its partners to accelerate biomedical research and strategies against diseases and health concerns in the United States and across the globe. The FNIH organizes and administers research projects; supports education and training of new researchers; organizes educational events and symposia; and administers a series of funds supporting a wide range of health issues. Established by Congress in 1990, the FNIH is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Please see our web site at www.fnih.org for more information regarding benefits including 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees with subsidized health insurance for dependents; subsidized parking; 403(B) with immediate vesting and match; all the federal holidays plus one; and more.
EOE STATEMENT: The FNIH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The FNIH celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Description
The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) seeks a Communications Officer to enhance its talented communications team working to raise awareness about the FNIH's contribution to the NIH mission, role in advancing biomedical research, and impact of its programs and events.

As Communications Officer, you will plan, develop, and coordinate internal and external communications across a broad spectrum of target audiences. These include research partners and scientists, key opinion leaders, philanthropic individuals and foundations, patient advocacy groups, NIH employees and leadership, FNIH employees, and science- and health-engaged consumers.

You will project manage the development of communications products in support of programs. You will use your writing and editing skills to translate complex scientific language into content easily understood by an educated lay audience. You will create talking points and draft event remarks for FNIH leadership. You will tell stories that make our work come alive.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and working with a supportive, collegial team of communications professionals, you will implement communications and media tactics using various media, including print and web-based vehicles. Your goal: to tell the compelling narrative of a 26-year-old organization that is profoundly improving the lives of patients around the globe.

Key Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Director of Communications, comms team members, and colleagues within the FNIH, develop and execute multi-pronged communications strategies to amplify key messaging about the FNIH and its programs in ways that enhance visibility and respect.
Distill complex scientific messages into narratives accessible to science journalists, researchers, donors, the press, and the health-interested public, in forms including short articles, blogs, speeches, infographics, website content, social media, and video narrative.
Draft press releases, announcements, web pages, newsletter articles, and other written materials about FNIH programs.
Proactively identify and explore new ways to communicate FNIH activities and programs. Stay informed of best practices and current trends in communicating that effectively cut across the noise.
Identify opportunities and story ideas to catch the attention of reporters and garner earned media.
Work with the FNIH's PR agency and other outside communications vendors to ensure the FNIH receives the maximum benefit from those services.
Engage other FNIH staff, NIH and partner comms teams, and the press to gain buy-in and participation in amplifying overall FNIH messaging and activities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, science writing, healthcare policy, or other relevant field(s), coupled with significant related professional experience
Experience translating complex scientific material into digestible, lay-friendly language and graphics
Working knowledge of biomedical sciences
High level writing and editing skills
Track record in drafting talking points, remarks, speeches
Experience in successfully managing multiple projects with deadline pressures and competing priorities
Demonstrable experience drafting and executing successful, multi-pronged communications strategies
Experience in crafting effective messaging for social media and the web
Proven track record in mining and using story to engage stakeholders
Working knowledge of social media, website, and print material design principles
Familiarity of content management systems and with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and/or Canva considered a plus

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time
LOCATION: Maryland, Rockville (Remote Position)

Foundation for the National Institutes of Health

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Communications Officer