Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Manager is responsible for translating scientific data and information into broadly accessible content that informs the public, donors, partners, policymakers, media and numerous other stakeholders about JAX’s mission and the importance of biomedical research, inspiring them to help advance JAX’s impact on human health. The role plays a critical role in implementing communications and public relations (PR) plans that accelerate the accurate and timely reporting and promotion of JAX scientific news to increase awareness of JAX’s mission and support strategic priorities.
This role is Fully Remote with travel as needed
Please include a cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered
Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)
Proactively identify and report on all activities of the JAX research enterprise to promote and elevate the mission for a variety of target audiences, positioning the organization as a leading nonprofit biomedical research institution with a global impact on human health.
Respond with urgency and a deep commitment to the JAX newsroom, closely collaborating with colleagues across the organization and frequently identifying opportunities to create engaging and newsworthy content that increases visibility of JAX, its spokespeople and experts.
Prolifically write and edit scientific news releases, articles and features and assisting in developing content that promotes JAX news and activities as a critical member of the communications group.
Regularly share scientific news and information with communications colleagues to support strategic goals and inform and contribute to PR and content strategies, arranging and conducting stakeholder meetings with cross-functional teams.
Report from and cover scientific conferences, meetings, JAX events and other activities as needed.
Stay abreast of the latest developments in the field and various areas of biomedical research to inform and develop communications strategies and ensure JAX’s relevance and responsiveness in the space through a robust and vast scientific content library.
Collaborate with science writers and media relations team members to identify important news and initiatives to communicate to the media, policymakers, research community and the public.
Assist in the writing and editing of a variety of JAX publications as needed.
Contribute to the management of a JAX-wide style guide, including guidelines on tone, grammar, punctuation and organizational standards and ensure adherence.
Partner across the communications and marketing team and JAX-wide, working collaboratively to help achieve goals.
Potential additional responsibilities as the team seeks achievement of its ambitious goals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (What you're good at)
10+ years of extensive experience in scientific news writing and editing with a proven track record of regular media coverage and a focus on increasing results year over year.
Master's degree required
Ability to understand and interpret scientific data and present results in an understandable, concise and exciting manner to a general audience.
Current understanding and proven demonstration of medical writing and regulatory standards and best practices.
Keenly attuned to news and activities in the biomedical research community to for positioning and responsive purposes.
Energized to inspire the public, donors, partners and researchers through coverage of JAX breakthroughs and scientific activities.
Experience supporting and implementing communications strategies to drive fundraising goals is strongly preferred.
Excellent interpersonal and client relation skills; experience working with high-profile researchers and executive leaders.
Leadership skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders with a focus on excellence.
Thrive in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities and multiple deadlines.
Must be intellectually curious and have the desire to share new knowledge and insights.
Proven experience recommending and identifying scientific visual elements (photography, design) to engage broad audiences.
Meticulous attention to detail and ability to write and edit for accuracy, clarity, style and tone.
Outstanding planning, organization and project management skills.
Proficient with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud and other tools such as CMS, social media management and analytics platforms, etc.
Ability to travel as necessary.
Pay Range: $96,945 - $162,310 based on total years of related experience
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.