Communications Director

About Blueprint Biosecurity

Blueprint Biosecurity is a nonprofit dedicated to achieving breakthroughs in humanity's capability to prevent, mitigate, and suppress pandemics. We develop clear, detailed, ambitious, and achievable plans to accelerate highly promising biosecurity interventions and tackle the main bottlenecks to realizing progress.

Role Overview

Blueprint Biosecurity is seeking a Communications Director to translate our work at Blueprint into compelling narratives that inspire action. You'll build and lead a team that crafts messages powerful enough to move policymakers, scientists, funders, and the public. Ultimately, we hope you will shape how the world thinks about pandemic prevention.

You will design, manage, and oversee communications across the organization. You will have a high degree of autonomy to build and lead a high-performing communications team, manage external contractors, and collaborate across all Blueprint teams. In this role, you will serve as the organization's voice, translating complex technical technical concepts and programs into compelling narratives for diverse audiences including policymakers, scientists, donors, and the public.

We are seeking a proactive leader who thrives in a dynamic and evolving environment. The ideal candidate will be excited about building a communications function from the ground up and willing to pivot and iterate to find ways to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Identify opportunities to amplify Blueprint's impact through strategic communications
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with Blueprint Biosecurity's mission and strategic goals
• Build and lead a high-performance team that excels at managing everything from daily communications needs to designing and implementing major campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director and program teams to determine organizational messaging, brand, and public positioning
• Provide strategic communications advice to leadership team and program directors

External Communications

• Showcase stories about Blueprint’s work to help further our mission
• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, thought leaders, and potential partners
• Oversee the creation and editing of high-quality content across channels, including social media, newsletters, blog posts, press releases, white papers, and marketing collateral
• Translate technical and scientific content into accessible messaging for diverse audiences
• Manage media relations and serve as a spokesperson for the organization when appropriate
• Support the executive team in developing fundraising materials and donor communications
• Facilitate the program and research teams publishing frequently on their work

Internal Communications

• Develop and maintain internal communications processes to ensure staff alignment and information sharing
• Create documentation and internal resources to facilitate knowledge transfer throughout the organization

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, with at least 3 years in management roles developing others
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor language for different audiences
• Proven ability in leading communications teams effectively, including strong project management skills with experience overseeing multiple simultaneous initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical content into compelling narratives
• Experience building and maintaining media relationships
• Proficiency with communications technologies, social media platforms, and content management systems
• Experience with AI tools for content creation, editing, and analysis

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in science communication, public health, or policy-related fields
• Experience in PR and media
• Experience building communications functions from the ground up
• Experience with fundraising communications and donor relations
• Experience working in fast-paced nonprofit or startup environments
• Understanding of biosecurity, pandemic preparedness, or adjacent fields

If you are on the fence about applying because you are unsure whether you are qualified, we would strongly encourage you to apply.

All of our ideal candidates:

• Are fast learners and get up to speed in new fields quickly
• Have a proven track record of initiating, navigating, and taking diverse projects to completion
• Are humble but ambitious
• Thrive in ambiguity
• Are prepared to ask clarifying questions to acquire the information they need
• Appreciate the value of teamwork and regularly include others in planning, decision-making, and execution
• Deliver results in high-energy settings without compromising on quality
• Demonstrate resilience in overcoming challenges

What we offer

Compensation: The base salary for this position ranges from $140,000 - $180,000 USD. We consider a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the role and responsibilities, work experience, education/training, skills, expertise, and internal equity.

Benefits: Our benefits package for full-time employees includes:

Unlimited PTO + paid holidays.

• Generous health and wellness benefits through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for you and your family.
• Fully paid family leave.
• Annual 401(k) contributions equal to 10% of your base salary.
• Support for productive work from home.

Equitable adjustments will be made for staff members outside of the United States hired through Employers of Record. Adjustments will be made in accordance with local laws and employment regulations in the primary location where the work is performed.

What Else You Should Know

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Please let us know what accommodations you might need when applying or if asked to be interviewed by emailing us at recruiting@blueprintbiosecurity.org.

Location: We are a remote team headquartered in Washington, D.C. Remote candidates must be able to work between 11 am and 3 pm Eastern Time. This role may require travel up to 15% of the time.

Start date: We'd like a candidate to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer, though there is some flexibility.

How to Apply

Here's a summary of the application process for a successful candidate. We might make adjustments.

• Complete the application form by May 4, 2025 11:59 PM EST.
• Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early
• Attend an initial screening call.
• Complete 1-2 paid work test(s) designed to simulate the work you would do if hired and evaluate key skills important for success in the role.
• Attend final remote/local interviews.
• Submit references.
• Receive an employment offer!