Communications Specialist IV

HJF is seeking a Communications Specialist IV to support WRIISC's internal and external communications and information sharing with external organizations. This position will be primarily responsible for directing the flow of communication and information between the DC WRIISC and outside entities. Their main duties include managing the communications streams, coordinating with established VA Public Affairs Offices and VACO HOME Communications team to engage in media events and directing outreach campaigns.

This position will be in support of the Complex Exposure Threats Center of Excellence (CETCE), a sub-center of the Washington DC War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) at the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The mission of CETCE is to serve as a national VA center to evaluate, care for and study Veterans with new, complex, and poorly understood military exposures.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Assist in the writing, development, and design of outreach materials.
• Assist in the dissemination of research findings.
• Serve as a communications support on relevant research studies.
• Support multidisciplinary clinical related projects relating to post-deployment health (ex., Gulf War Illness, TBI, PTSD, etc.) through outreach and other efforts aimed at communicating the plans and merit of CETCE and DC WRIISC.
• Responsible for hands-on coordination and development of communication activities that will apply cutting edge scientific principles and methodologies to support education services, research and clinical studies.
• Lead efforts to summarize scientific objectives and research, identify communication challenges relating to study objectives, and examine relevant solutions/experiments for specific diseases/symptoms while participating in cross-functional development-team activities.
• Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC.
• Maintain required VHA trainings.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.
• Research, design and write content for print and online communications vehicles, including articles for corporate and employee newsletters, news articles for the employee Intranet and public website and web content.
• Proofread and copyedit drafted communications materials as necessary. May review work of less experienced Communications staff. Ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communications including development, organizing and education.
• Lead in the measurement and summary of communication results. Recommend and/or make adjustments to communication plan as needed.
• Lead customer engagements and create communications strategies. Ensure communication strategy is consistent and reflects the organization's strategic vision.
• Mentor less experienced Communications staff.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations or related field of study required.
• Minimum of 9-10 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional writing skills.
• Ability to distill complex ideas and scientific information into language appropriate for a lay audience.
• Excellent interpersonal, research and interview skills.
• Sharp editorial, proofreading and organizational skills.
• Excellent computing skills (IBM-compatible and Mac) and Web skills (familiarity with MS Office Suite including PowerPoint, HTML, etc.).
• Direct experience working on topics related to Veteran health preferred.
• Experience with social media, graphic design and website skills preferred.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $88,600-$134,940. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.