Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

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.