Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long-term investments in people, not just projects, because WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE BREAKTHROUGHS OVER TIME. HHMI scientists have radically advanced the understanding of cells, the brain, the immune system, the development of organs, and how to treat many diseases.  Founded in 1953 by aviator and industrialist Howard R. Hughes, HHMI is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and employs more than 2,500 people across the U.S. 

At HHMI, you are not just an employee – you are a part of a creative and talented team with colleagues whose expertise ranges from biomedical research to investment management, from information technology to law.  We encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment WHERE EMPLOYEES CAN FUNCTION AT THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working at HHMI are making a difference.

SUMMARY:

HHMI is looking for a full-time Web and Digital Specialist to join our Communications team who will support content production and maintenance of our websites, digital assets, video channels, and analytics accounts. This position is located at our headquarters campus in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and reports to the Manager of Web Content and Strategy. This individual may be required to visit HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, one time per month for planning meetings and similar activity. 

The ideal candidate has a combination of technical and process management skills, along with an editorial eye to update site content accurately and effectively working in a Drupal content management system. The candidate must possess the technical skills to administer and support two Drupal websites and our Cumulus photo and video database. The candidate must also have a keen attention to detail and accuracy to keep our website content up-to-date, accurate, and aligned with our brand and style guides. The Web and Digital Specialist will be the first point-of-contact for web editing, photo, gif, and video preparation, page layout and creation, and HTML troubleshooting. The successful candidate is plugged into the web, analytics, and content production communities to follow new technologies and current best practices.

HHMI’s Communications team strategizes and executes a wide range of creative work to advance the organization’s mission to drive science forward. Our team is responsible for HHMI’s public relations and internal communications, among other efforts. We’re a close-knit, collaborative group that’s committed to continuous development as individuals and as a team and we work closely with our scientists, educators, and operations staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• SUPPORT CONTENT MANAGEMENT FOR HHMI.ORG AND JANELIA.ORG

  • Lay out web stories and news releases in our Drupal content management system.
  • Maintain calendars to update rotating content on the site, including front page highlights, facts and figures, competition dates, and others.
  • Evaluate page performance based on analytics data and suggest updates and improvements.
  • Ensure published content complies with our brand and style guides, and our usability and accessibility standards.
  • Crop and size photos, embed videos, and create animated gifs to enhance page visuals.
  • Support the Manager of Web Content and Strategy in implementing larger-scale web projects such as site redesigns, accessibility enhancements, or creating new storytelling/blogging features.

• PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR HHMI.ORG AND JANELIA.ORG

  • Respond to requests for editing content, creating redirects, fixing broken links, updating menu items, fixing layout inconsistencies, creating user accounts, updating permissions, and other administrative requests.
  • Work with IT to resolve technical issues that require additional support from our developers.
  • Manage user accounts, taxonomy, sitemaps, files, views, redirects, blocks, and other site administrative features. Keep Drupal modules well-configured.
  • Create test plans to evaluate new functionality that is rolled out to the site, conduct those tests, identify, and report bugs.

• EDIT AND MANAGE PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO, AND OTHER DIGITAL ASSETS

  • Administer HHMI.org’s library of digital assets (Cumulus), which houses photos, videos, documents, sketches, logos, and brand materials.
  • Optimize our system of photo metadata tagging to increase the findability and relevance of our large number of photos.
  • Take a lead role in managing outside photographers, assisting with logistics of photography shoots, and managing permissions and re-use negotiations.
  • Administer HHMI.org’s public YouTube and Vimeo channels.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, web-development, or related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional web content production and technical maintenance. 
• Strong Drupal administration experience.
• Extensive knowledge of web standards, including 508 compliance, SEO, and user experience.
• Experience with web performance tools, such as Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS.
• Basic graphic design and production skills, including the ability to manipulate and place digital media, including photography, gifs, video, and similar features.
• Work independently, taking the initiative to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Keen attention to detail, with particular emphasis on accuracy, follow-up, and follow-through.
• Excellent process management and organizational skills.
• Professionalism, positive attitude, and eagerness to continuously improve.
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and explain technical issues to lay people.
• Strong ability to collaborate and focus on customer needs.
• Ability to be flexible as project focus or project requirements shift.

HHMI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Required Skills Required Experience

Technical or Administrative Knowledge: • Highly proficient with Microsoft software • Advanced Excel skills required Special Skills and/or Abilities: • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Strong attention to detail • Exercises independent judgment and is multi-task oriented • Takes initiative and ownership of job responsibilities • Must be able to work well with others in a team environment • Must be able to perform job duties accurately and timely