Associate Director of Communication Design

Location: Seattle/Boston/Washington D.C., United States (Hybrid)

About Cognition

For over two decades, our world-class team of strategists, storytellers, and designers has driven impactful change with leading pioneers, creating a healthier, more empowered world. Our work goes beyond design; it ignites global transformation by ensuring groundbreaking health technologies and public health initiatives reach those who need them most.

We uphold the highest standards in a focused, team-oriented environment. If you can’t meet these standards (you’ve gotta have grit and ambition), please do not apply. We value our time and seek only serious, qualified candidates.

Senior-Level Role overview

The Associate Director of Communication Design at Cognition Studio is a unique leadership role that bridges Design Strategy and Content Strategy, with a focus on science innovation, global health, and life sciences. You’ll lead cross-functional teams of writers, researchers, designers, and UX strategists to develop strategic communication frameworks that translate complex scientific breakthroughs and health innovations into compelling stories that engage policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

This role demands a dynamic approach—balancing creativity with strategy—to ensure that both scientific advancements and global health priorities are communicated with clarity, precision, and impact. You will drive narrative development for projects that align with global health strategies and Cognition Studio’s mission to empower change through design and storytelling.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership in Science & Health Communications: Lead communication strategies that integrate design thinking with content creation, ensuring that narratives around science innovation and global health objectives resonate with diverse audiences.

Content & Design Integration: Develop cohesive messaging that unites scientific data, data visualization, innovation, and public health narratives. Ensure the integration of both design, information and content strategies to deliver comprehensive, impactful communication products.

Team Collaboration & Development: Lead interdisciplinary teams, mentoring writers, researchers, designers, and UX/digital strategists. Foster an environment that encourages collaboration and ensures seamless integration of design and content efforts to meet both creative and strategic goals.

Client Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to global health and life sciences clients, helping them navigate complex topics like health financing, policy, and innovation. Guide clients in crafting communications that inform, engage, and influence key stakeholders.

Partner with Media Relations & Advocacy: Collaborate with our media strategy partners to support the development of amplified client messages, elevating scientific voices and global health champions. Comfortable with working with cross-agency specialists for integrated delivery.

Program Implementation & Advocacy: Familiar with and learning to design and implement communication strategies that support global health programs and scientific innovations. Understand the basics to build messages that help to shape policy and public health outcomes.

Innovation in Storytelling: Leverage creative problem-solving to craft innovative narratives that make complex scientific and health data accessible and actionable for global audiences.

Continuous Improvement: Never settle. Push your limits by diving into researching new topics, learning new science, attending conferences and training sessions. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends and technologies to inject innovation into every project.

Quality Assurance: Precision is your mantra. Your work must meet the highest standards—every time. Conduct rigorous self-reviews (QA) and demand peer reviews (QC) to ensure nothing short of excellence.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Communication, Design or Science from a top-tier, accredited institution.
  • Eligible candidates must have legal authorization to work in the US and not require current or future visa sponsorship.
  • 7-10 years of experience in science communication, global health communication, or strategic leadership in health & life sciences.
  • Position based in Seattle, Boston, or Washington DC with a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work.
  • Strong expertise in integrating design and content strategy, particularly within the global health or life sciences sectors.
  • Proven ability to manage interdisciplinary teams of writers, designers, researchers, and strategists.
  • Expertise in translating complex scientific data and health innovations into clear, engaging content for public health professionals, policymakers, and funders.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing leadership (or growing leadership) in developing strategic communications that drive impact in health, science, and innovation.
  • Experience in client management and stakeholder engagement within global health organizations, NGOs, and the life sciences sector.
  • Proficiency in digital tools and creative platforms (e.g., Adobe Suite, Canva) to lead development of compelling visual content.
  • Knowledge of global health advocacy, policy landscapes, and health financing mechanisms.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced resource limited environment.
  • References we can speak to, providing insights into your problem-solving, team dynamics, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re a craft-driven studio that thrives on high performers—only those who match this caliber need apply.

Requirements

  • You are a do-er leader. Everyone at Cognition is an active practitioner and this is a growing leader role that makes and manages.
  • Expert use of communication, strategy frameworks, and developing materials that support a large program.
  • Expert client management and project oversite skills.
  • Expert team leadership skills, especially for project that span long and short durations.
  • Disciplined time management in a time & materials environment, with rigorous time tracking as second nature.
  • Disciplined budget management and project oversite in partnership with a director and project manager. Overall in tuned with working in a small studio, and resource limited environment.
  • A collaborative, ego-free mindset that prioritizes team success and a strong, positive team culture.
  • Proven ability to deliver top-quality writing across various science, innovation and health.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, thriving in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Superior communication skills, capable of presenting writing concepts and integrating feedback seamlessly.
  • A relentless drive for professional growth, with a commitment to continuous learning and elevating your craft.
  • Thrive and nurturing a team and growing your team’s career path. We are a small studio, and we foster growth through learning and practicing and mentorship.
  • Did we say that communication is a team sport? But you must be able to work independently to advance your assignments and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary and premium benefits package that is focused on work harmony.
  • A unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of science, design, and global health communications, shaping the future of health innovations.
  • A collaborative, high-caliber environment that prizes innovation and relentless learning.
  • Fast-tracked professional growth within a visionary, cutting-edge team.
  • Exposure to transformative global health and scientific innovation projects, driving real-world impact.

Join us at Cognition

Be part of a team that blends design innovation and scientific communication to create lasting change. Apply today to help lead the charge in translating global health and life sciences breakthroughs into impactful stories that drive public health outcomes.

How to apply, what to expect

As a small, busy studio with limited time, we ask that candidates approach the application process thoughtfully and thoroughly. We value those who respect our time by ensuring their application is well-prepared and aligned with the role.

Please do not reach out via LinkedIn messages; to be considered, all applications must be submitted through our website.

Submit your resume, portfolio/case studies, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team. All applicants should ensure they qualify per these requirements and understand we are hybrid consultancy/design firm, with grit, rigor, and a fast pace work ethic with exceptionally high caliber work delivery.

Here is the process we take:

  1. We will do phone screenings. If you meet our objectives and are a good culture fit, we will run 2 interviews.
  2. Interview 1: this is a blended interview for us to validate full qualifications and understanding of requirements and for you to also learn more about the role and culture and expectations. In this interview you do show your portfolio and highlight your strengths and why you believe you will be a good fit. We also need to hear about career path, and an honest representation of where you are at and where you are going in your design development.
  3. Interview 2: deeper review of a single end-to-end case study where you present the problem, show research methods or ideation, and walk through the work solution. This interview allows you to be more clear about how you work best, team environment, and clarity for how you thrive through your work. This allows us to ensure you can plug into work and be a part of workflows and team culture quickly.
  4. Final 1:1 Q&A session with divisional head, or HR.
  5. Hiring committee selects a candidate and an offer is extended. Time to start is expected to be within a 2wk period of offer.

We will be filling this role by December 2024.

No recruiters, please.

Application instructions

Submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team.

Submit application

Equal employment opportunity policy statement

At Cognition Studio, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation and excellence.

Our hiring decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, marital status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Instead, we actively work to create an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Join us in our mission to make a real impact in the world through design and innovation.