Vice President, Science Communications - Redwood City, CA (Open to Remote)

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone.

The Team

CZI supports the science and technology that will make it possible to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of this century. While this may seem like an audacious goal, in the last 100 years, biomedical science has made tremendous strides in understanding biological systems, advancing human health, and treating disease. 

We build open-source software tools to accelerate science and generate more accurate and biologically important sources of data. We fund scientific research worldwide to advance the frontiers of knowledge. And we launched a family of institutes to do research that can’t be done in conventional environments. Each aspect is essential to our approach to building for the long term.

CZI’s work in science includes grantmaking programs, open-source software development, and close collaboration with its partner institutes at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network. The CZ Biohub Network includes the San Francisco, Chicago, and New York Biohubs as well as the Chan Zuckerberg Imaging Institute. CZI also collaborates with institutional partners like the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural & Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University. Join us in accelerating science.

This role sits on the Brand and Communications team and reports to CZI’s Head of Brand and Communications. In this role, you will partner closely with other senior science leaders throughout CZI and our network of scientific institutes known as the Biohub Network, coordinating and planning integrated communications and nontraditional storytelling opportunities across these interconnected organizations. 

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Science Communications role at CZI is an opportunity for an accomplished senior communications professional to lead a science communications team for a fast-paced and innovative philanthropic organization. CZI’s mission for science is to support the science and technology that will make it possible to cure, prevent or manage all diseases by the end of the century. As part of the Brand and Communications team, you will help build trust, credibility and engagement to inspire the world and the scientific community to champion and contribute to that mission.

What You'll Do

• Develop and lead creation and execution of integrated science communications strategy in close partnership with other senior leaders on the Brand and Communications team as well as throughout CZI and Biohub Network. 
• Increase understanding of CZI’s impact among key audiences through proactive, integrated communication planning, thought leadership content development and active, ongoing traditional and non-traditional media engagement.
• Partner with product marketing to support shared goals for our sci-tech tools. 
• Identify and execute the positioning strategy for science leaders including developing message platforms, identifying and evaluating speaking and media engagements, writing scripts, speeches, talking points and background materials.
• Anticipate and mitigate crisis communications issues by monitoring the internal and external landscape, developing communication plans/talking points on relevant issues and coordinating with key stakeholders and spokespeople.
• Serve as spokesperson and prepare other spokespeople as needed. 
• Provide strategic guidance and consultation with cross-functional teams, executives, leaders, and partners. 
• Develop, coach and retain a high-performing communications team.

What You'll Bring

• 15+ years of experience as a senior-level communications practitioner, with a demonstrated history serving as a spokesperson and a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain media relationships
• 10+ years of people management experience.
• Experience working as an advisor and counselor to senior leaders, executives, or other high-profile individuals.
• Crisis and issues management experience
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including demonstrated and advanced experience in science communications
• Passion about Science, Technology, and the work we are doing at CZI
• Willingness and ability to work collaboratively, adapt to a dynamic work environment, and navigate complexity and multiple priorities to deliver results.
• Strong, demonstrated interest in diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
• Experience managing budgets, outside agencies and/or contractors.

Compensation

The Redwood City, CA base pay range for this role is $297,000 - $475,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. Pay ranges outside Redwood City are adjusted based on cost of labor in each respective geographical market. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your location during the hiring process.

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• CZI provides a generous 100% match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future. 
• Annual funding for employees that can be used most meaningfully for them and their families, such as housing, student loan repayment, childcare, commuter costs, or other life needs.
• CZI Life of Service Gifts are awarded to employees to “live the mission” and support the causes closest to them.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving to the Bay Area
• And more!

Commitment to Diversity

We believe that the strongest teams and best thinking are defined by the diversity of voices at the table. We are committed to fair treatment and equal access to opportunity for all CZI team members and to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Learn about our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

Explore our work modes, benefits, and interview process at www.chanzuckerberg.com/careers.

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