Health Communications Manager

Axle • Rockville, MD

5d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Axle is hiring a Health Communications Manager/Science Writer to support the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The role turns complex research findings and policy information into clear, accurate materials for scientific leaders, administrators, and general audiences. It provides scientific writing, analytical, and policy advisory support related to recruitment, appointment, recognition, and retention of DIR’s scientific workforce.

The position draws on knowledge of Title 42, Title 38, and SBRS authorities to prepare and review recommendation memos, justification documents, award nominations, salary benchmarks, briefings, and plain-language scientific summaries. It also supports personnel casework, advises managers on policy interpretation and implementation, reviews Livelink personnel workflows for quality assurance, and identifies tools and process improvements. The role is primarily based at the NIH/NIAID facility in Rockville, Maryland, and may also encompass the Bethesda, Maryland, or Hamilton, Montana campuses.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in a biomedical research field.
• In-depth subject-matter knowledge to support scientific writing and policy advisory work.
• Knowledge of Title 42, Title 38, and SBRS authorities, policies, procedures, and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit recommendation memos and justification documents for scientific positions.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, plain-language products for scientific, administrative, and general audiences.
• Assist and collaborate with NIH scientific and administrative leadership on policy interpretation and implementation.
• Provide guidance on Title 42 and related policies, procedures, and requirements to senior-level and program-level managers in meetings and through telephone and email.
• Provide casework coverage for Case Development Specialists as needed, including support for personnel packages.
• Prepare briefing materials and complex scientific summaries on a broad range of diseases and research areas.
• Develop reports, memos, and other specialized materials covering complex subject matter for different purposes and audiences.
• Review materials prepared by DIR division staff for accuracy and provide advice.
• Develop scientific and technical materials about DIR research programs, activities, and accomplishments.
• Support committee management teams as needed.
• Analyze personnel action tracking tools and determine next steps.
• Identify tools or software that can improve operations.
• Draft and review award nominations and related documents.
• Draft and review salary benchmarks and related documents for T42, T38, and SBRS appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments.
• Review Livelink workflows for quality assurance related to appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments.
• Complete training required by NIH.
• Perform additional project work or duties at the request of the task leader.
• Coordinate community outreach efforts and activities for the program.
• Attend and present at major conferences or meetings and participate in discussions with community groups.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, such as community health centers, state medical agencies, and managed care organizations.
• Coordinate analysis and evaluation of outreach activities, including internal and external partnerships.
• Work with management to coordinate the content of materials, advertisements, and marketing messages.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) match up to 5%
• Educational benefits for career growth
• Employee referral bonus
• Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare FSA, parking reimbursement account, dependent care assistance program, and transportation reimbursement account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level