HESI Global Science Communications Specialist

HESI Global Science Communications Specialist

Location: Washington, DC | Hybrid, with in-office attendance required at least 2–3 days per week

About HESI Global

HESI Global is a nonprofit scientific organization that brings together scientists from academia, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations to advance collaborative science for human and environmental health protection. Our scientific programs connect expertise, data, and resources across sectors to address shared safety challenges and inform decisions.

The opportunity

HESI Global seeks an experienced Communications Specialist to strengthen the clarity, consistency, professionalism, and reach of our scientific communications. Working closely with HESI scientific staff and leadership, this person will help plan outreach and develop materials that explain our programs, findings, and impact to technical and scientific audiences as well as broader, generalist audiences.

This is a hands-on role combining scientific writing and editing with outreach strategy and content development. The Communications Specialist will take the lead on selected projects and support staff on others, helping programs communicate complex science accurately, identify clear messages, and reach the audiences best positioned to use or contribute to their work.

Key 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.

Required experience and qualifications

• 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 qualifications

• 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.

Work environment

Based in our Washington, D.C. office, this role reports directly to the Executive Director. Candidates must be within commuting distance of the DC metro area. An in-office presence is required two to three days per week or as organizational needs require. Some travel may be required.

Compensation & benefits

Salary range: $95,000 – $125,000

Placement within this range depends on relevant qualifications, experience, and alignment with the responsibilities of the role. We offer a 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.

Application materials

Where possible, include a technical example, an example for a generalist audience, and a presentation or digital communication sample. For collaborative work, please identify your contribution.

This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This organization participates in E-Verify. Principals only, please. Unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies will not be considered.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.