Communications Specialist

Join the HJF Team!

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.

This position will be in support of Veterans Administration (VA) War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (“DC WRIISC”). The WRIISC develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical programs, education and risk communication, and research.

HJF is seeking a Communications Specialist to support HJF’s internal or external communications and information with multiple 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, acting as the face of the organization at media events and directing outreach campaigns.

• Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC
• Serve as a research member on relevant research studies
• Assist in the writing and development of outreach materials
• Assist in the dissemination of research findings.
• Maintain required VHA trainings

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have outstanding writing skills
• Keen ability to distill complex ideas and scientific information into language appropriate for a lay audience.
• Strong interpersonal, research and interview skills
• Must have sharp editorial, proofreading and organizational skills
• Solid basic computing and Web skills (familiarity with MS Office Suite, HTML, etc.)
• Facility using PowerPoint and working on a Mac strongly desired

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

• Master’s Degree
• 2-5 years of experience

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

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(c)