Communications Specialist

Job Description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Communications Specialist to to support the VHA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE). This position is responsible for developing and managing internal and external communications, directing outreach efforts, and ensuring consistent messaging that advances the AHBPCE’s mission of improving care for Veterans affected by airborne hazard and burn pit exposures. Will lead outreach campaigns, manage media and stakeholder communications, and support the dissemination of research findings.

This position will be in support of the New Jersey War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (NJ WRIISC) and it's sub-centers, the VHA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE), and Exposure-Related Care Transformation (EXPRT) Center. Research activities broadly cover post-deployment health conditions attributable to military environmental exposures. NJ VA WRIISC is a national post-deployment health resource for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). WRIISC develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through research activities as well as through its specialty clinical programs, education, and risk communication.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies for the AHBPCE.
• Manage media relations, social media presence, and internal/external communications.
• Serve as the public-facing representative of the Center at events and outreach activities.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication platforms.
• Assist in writing, compiling, and submitting outreach and educational materials.
• Identify appropriate communication modalities and outreach methods.
• Track and analyze communication metrics, identifying areas for improvement.
• Support preparation of research findings for public release, conferences, and publications.
• Translate complex research into accessible, non-technical summaries for Veterans and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with researchers and program leadership to ensure scientific accuracy in communications.
• Attend weekly staff and project-specific meetings at AHBPCE.
• Contribute ideas, complete assigned action items, and provide communications expertise.
• Maintain required VHA training, including VA Privacy, Security Awareness, and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations or related field of study
• Two to five (2–5) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or related field
• Proven ability to develop and manage communication strategies across multiple platforms
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Requires exceptional communication skills, strategic planning ability, and experience managing multi-channel communications in a healthcare or research environment.
• 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
• Very strong basic computing skills (IBM-compatible and Mac) and Web skills (familiarity with MS Office Suite including PowerPoint, HTML, etc.) US
• Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Clearance, including background check and drug screening.
  
  

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 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 $73,800-$125,600. 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.