📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
🔹 Company: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
🔹 Location: Alexandria, VA (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit, Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading integrated marketing and communications plans to increase brand awareness and drive donor engagement
- Overseeing content creation and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms
- Managing direct marketing efforts and vendor partnerships
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and the ASCO brand team
- Innovating new ways to connect with prospects and current donors
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of marketing and communications principles to drive results and meet fundraising goals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and lead integrated marketing and communications plans and paid media to increase brand awareness and drive donors and prospective donors down the marketing funnel through to conversion
✅ Establish, monitor, and regularly report on measurable OKRs and KPIs to assess the effectiveness of various marketing and communication campaigns
✅ Oversee development of annual content calendar and message themes ensuring a surround-sound effect across channels
✅ Oversee content creation, including ideating, drafting, proofreading, editing, and ensuring alignment with brand standards and organizational goals
✅ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure content is accurate, compelling, on-brand, and consistent across platforms
✅ Partner with ASCO brand team to maintain and update brand guidelines ensuring consistent representation of the organization’s identity across all marketing materials
✅ Oversee direct marketing efforts, including direct mail campaigns, to attract donors, increase financial support, and fill the donor pipeline
✅ Negotiate contracts and lead vendor partners as needed, including collaborating to implement best practices and optimize paid media performance
✅ Prepare compelling pitch decks, marketing collateral, and internal presentations that communicate the foundation’s mission, programs, and impact to stakeholders
✅ Lead storytelling initiatives to elevate the foundation’s profile through engaging content that resonates with target audiences
✅ In collaboration with digital agency, oversee the development and execution of SEO strategies, optimizing web content and using keywords to increase search engine rankings and drive traffic to the website
✅ Innovate new ways to connect with prospects and current donors through a test-prove-scale approach to content and channels
✅ Oversee the work and professional development of direct reports
✅ Perform other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, or a related field
Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, including digital marketing
Required Skills:
- Proven experience building a national brand with experience leading marketing organizations across diverse product/program/service sets
- Knowledge of business models, marketing and communications concepts, fundraising practices, and procedures of communications
- Experience developing and using data, market research, and analytics to guide approaches
Preferred Skills:
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in non-profit marketing and a proven track record of driving results through innovative campaigns are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a role of this level in the non-profit sector in the Alexandria, VA area)
Benefits:
- Hybrid Work Environment
- Open Leave Policy
- Paid Family Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays per Calendar Year
- Staff Appreciation Days
- 401(k): 7.5% Employer Contribution
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fertility and Family Forming
- Healthcare Concierge
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Healthcare Savings Account
- Disability and Life Insurance
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. ASCO offers a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain top talent.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit, focused on cancer research, education, and patient care
Company Size: 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: 1964, with a rich history and established reputation in the oncology field
Company Description:
- ASCO is committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care
- The organization represents more than 50,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer
- ASCO’s Conquer Cancer Foundation supports the Society by funding groundbreaking research and education across cancer’s full continuum
Company Specialties:
- Non-Profit Professional Society
- Oncology
- CME
- Quality Care
- Data
- Health Information
- Cancer
- Cancer Research
- Oncology Journals
- Oncology News
- Professional Society
- Healthcare Association
- Cancer Care
- and Medical Conference
Company Website: http://www.asco.org
ASSUMPTION: ASCO’s mission and values make it an attractive organization for candidates passionate about making a difference in cancer care.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Division Director and may oversee direct reports, depending on the organization’s structure
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a primary location in Alexandria, VA, and the flexibility to work remotely up to 2-3 days per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Director-level role within the marketing and communications department
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs
- Opportunities to lead special projects or initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to make a significant impact on ASCO’s mission while growing their career in marketing and communications.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a primary location in Alexandria, VA, and the flexibility to work remotely
Office Location(s): 2318 Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314, US
Geographic Context:
- Alexandria, VA is a suburb of Washington, D.C., offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The area is known for its historic architecture, waterfront views, and vibrant cultural scene
- The cost of living in Alexandria is generally higher than the national average
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the best of both worlds – the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in an office setting and the flexibility to work remotely when needed.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interview with the Division Director
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing and communications strategy and planning
- Content creation and storytelling
- Data-driven decision-making and analytics
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with ASCO’s mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and communications experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to integrated marketing and communications campaigns and your ability to drive results
- Demonstrate your understanding of ASCO’s mission and how your skills and experience align with the organization’s goals
- Prepare examples of your work, such as marketing campaigns or content pieces, to showcase your skills and accomplishments
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Content Creation, Data Analysis, Project Management, Team Leadership, SEO, Brand Management, Collaboration, Storytelling, Presentation Skills, Time Management, Innovation, Customer-Centricity
ASSUMPTION: ASCO uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Content Management Systems (CMS) (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required, as ASCO offers training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centered: ASCO prioritizes the needs and well-being of cancer patients and their families
- Innovative: ASCO fosters a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and improvement
- Collaborative: ASCO values teamwork, partnerships, and a collective approach to achieving its mission
- Accountable: ASCO holds itself to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct
- Compassionate: ASCO is committed to supporting and empowering those affected by cancer
Work Style:
- ASCO values a flexible, high-performance work environment where employees collaborate to support its mission through evidence, care, and impact
- The organization fosters a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality
- ASCO offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing employees with the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with ASCO’s patient-centered value, and how would you ensure that this focus is reflected in your marketing and communications efforts?
- Describe your comfort level with working in a hybrid environment and how you would balance the demands of an office setting with the flexibility of remote work
- How do you approach continuous learning and professional development, and how would you apply this mindset to your role at ASCO?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share ASCO’s values and are passionate about its mission are more likely to thrive in the organization’s culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may require strong organizational and time management skills
- Working in a non-profit environment may present unique challenges related to budget constraints and resource allocation
- The hybrid work arrangement may require candidates to be self-motivated and disciplined when working remotely
- The competitive nature of the non-profit sector may necessitate a proactive approach to fundraising and donor engagement
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are adaptable, resourceful, and able to thrive in a dynamic work environment are well-suited to this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in that it focuses on marketing and communications for a non-profit organization with a specific mission and target audience
- ASCO’s size and structure may offer more opportunities for growth and advancement than smaller non-profits, but may also present more complex challenges related to scale and scope
- Career paths within ASCO may include progression to Director-level roles within the marketing and communications department or transition to other areas of the organization, such as fundraising or program management
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their desired path when evaluating opportunities at ASCO.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a multi-channel marketing campaign to raise awareness and drive donations for ASCO’s annual giving program
- Creating engaging content for ASCO’s website and social media channels to elevate the organization’s profile and resonate with target audiences
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to create compelling pitch decks and marketing collateral that communicate ASCO’s mission, programs, and impact to donors, partners, and other key audiences
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications may undertake to drive results and support ASCO’s mission.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into ASCO’s overall marketing and communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the marketing and communications department, and how can this role help address them?
- How does ASCO support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the marketing and communications field?
- What is the team structure and dynamic within the marketing and communications department, and how does this role fit into the broader organization?
- How does ASCO measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization and helps you make a more informed decision about your fit and potential for success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and communications experience and skills, emphasizing your ability to drive results and support ASCO’s mission
- Prepare examples of your work, such as marketing campaigns or content pieces, to showcase your skills and accomplishments
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
