Communications Specialist II - PESMOA

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. is seeking a Communications Specialist II to serve as the Social Media Manager and Recruitment Strategist.

You will plan, execute, and evaluate nationwide digital campaigns, collaborating with Student Military Medical Ambassadors to translate complex scientific messages into accessible public content. You will ensure alignment with DoD policy and USUHS mission, monitor engagement, analyze performance, and advise

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 3–5 years of experience required.
• Ability to distill complex scientific information for lay audiences.
• Proficiency in video editing for social media.

Responsibilities

• Produce engaging multimedia content and manage editorial calendar for nationwide digital programs.
• Plan and execute targeted digital campaigns to support recruiting, admissions, and MMC outreach.
• Design and implement federal‑compliant social media strategies and governance models.
• Manage real‑time engagement and rapid‑response messaging with potential applicants.
• Analyze trends and platform performance; translate metrics into actionable insights for leadership.
• Engage with audiences and online communities to address concerns and build trust.
• Collaborate with SMMA, MMA, and MMC staff and alumni for outreach and training.

Skills

Video editing

Science communication

Interpersonal skills

Editing & proofreading

Computing & web skills

Writing skills

Background check clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

PowerPoint

HTML

Job description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Communications Specialist II will serve as the Social Media Manager and Recruitment Strategist to plan, execute, and evaluate comprehensive, nation-wide digital communication programs. This role involves collaborating with Student Military Medical Ambassadors (SMMA) to create campus-based content while serving as an expert advisor to leadership on leveraging emerging digital platforms to promote agency missions, policies, and educational programs. The Communications Specialist II will collaborate with the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs to ensure all social media accounts and public-facing content align with the USUHS mission and vision and comply with DoD policy.

This position will be in support of School of Medicine's Admissions Department (SOM-ADM), Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

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.

• Produce engaging multimedia content and manage the agency's editorial calendar ensuring complex regulatory (and scientific information) is translated into accessible public messaging.
• Plan and execute targeted digital campaigns to support recruiting efforts, admissions, and administrative support of the Military Medical Community (MMC).
• Design and execute comprehensive, federal-compliant social media strategies while establishing governance models and standard operating procedures.
• Manage real-time digital engagement and rapid-response messaging to ensure unified communication with potential applicants.
• Evaluate emerging trends and platforms to optimize the agency's digital presence and strategic direction.
• Utilize social listening and analytics tools to track campaign performance, translate digital metrics into actionable intelligence for leadership, and evaluate communication ROI.
• Manage online communities by monitoring public sentiment and engaging directly with audiences to address concerns.
• Serve as a key liaison for the Student Military Medical Ambassadors and the Military Medical Communities in email, virtual, and asynchronous engagements.
• Innovate and leverage alumni towards a community-building focus. Develop training programs and resources to assist outreach efforts performed by the SMMA, MMA, and MMC staff.
• Overarching goals are digital storytelling, coaching applicants, and improving brand recognition.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in video editing for social media, producing high-quality content tailored to platform-specific requirements.
• Ability to distill complex ideas and scientific information into language appropriate for a lay audience.
• Very strong interpersonal, research and interview skills.
• Sharp editorial, proofreading and organizational skills.
• Strong basic computing skills (IBM-compatible and Mac) and Web skills (familiarity with MS Office Suite including PowerPoint, HTML, etc.)
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary pay range for this position is $67,500 - $91,100. 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(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.