Communications and Operations Project Coordinator

Title: Communications and Operations Project Coordinator

Location: Headquarters

Job Description:

 

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

We are seeking a resourceful and hands-on Communications & Projects Coordinator to support the Senior Director of Marketing and Internal Communications, the Senior Director of Strategic Project and Change Management, and the Director of Leadership Communications and External Relations. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across three creative and strategic departments, providing administrative (70%) and creative project support (30%) that keeps things running smoothly and efficiently. You'll report to all three leaders, gaining broad exposure to communications, strategic projects, and executive leadership work.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week.

What We Provide:

• A mission-driven environment where your work supports HHMI’s commitment to advancing science and science education for the benefit of humanity.

• A collaborative, growing team where you'll play a key role in shaping how newly formed departments communicate and operate across the organization.

• Hands-on experience in communications and project work, perfect for someone eager to learn, grow, and contribute to creative, cross-functional initiatives.

• A competitive compensation package that includes a 10% employer contribution to your retirement, up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year, and a significant budget for professional development.

What You’ll Do

• Keep things moving behind the scenes with expert calendar management, meeting coordination, travel planning, and day-to-day administrative support for three department leaders.

• Take an active role in communications and project coordination - you’ll help manage timelines and deliverables, track progress in tools like Asana, and support social media and science communications campaigns. You’ll also review and proofread materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy.

• Pitch in on cross-functional initiatives, some of which may be confidential or high-profile, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

• Plan and coordinate team events and internal meetings, including logistics, materials prep, and vendor communications.

• Assist with budget tracking and reporting for marketing and communications projects.

• Submit and monitor invoices, purchase orders, and credit card transactions across supported departments.

• Serve as the first point of contact for routine inquiries, triaging professionally and escalating when needed.

• Support scheduling for other members of the Communications team when needed.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• 3–5 years of experience in administration, project coordination, or communications.

• A sharp eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines with confidence and calm.

• High degree of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information.

• Self-motivation, curiosity, and a go-getter attitude - you’re ready to pitch in wherever needed.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Asana and SharePoint is a plus.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to edit and proofread content.

• A positive, collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn more about communications and marketing.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-KS1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$61,738.40 (minimum) - $77,173.00 (midpoint) - $100,324.90 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.