📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Digital Media and Marketing
🔹 Company: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
🔹 Location: Headquarters, Chevy Chase, MD
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading a team to manage HHMI's digital media and marketing efforts
- Developing and implementing targeted digital campaigns to increase awareness of HHMI's programs
- Overseeing social media management and visual media production for HHMI and its sub-brands
- Collaborating with external marketing partners and internal teams to ensure brand consistency and alignment with Communications strategy
- Analyzing campaign metrics and adjusting strategies to achieve desired outcomes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in digital media, marketing, and management to effectively lead the team and drive HHMI's outreach and engagement.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and direct all Marketing activities, including paid strategy campaigns, to increase awareness of HHMI programs and drive high-quality applicant pools
✅ Monitor and report on campaign metrics, adjusting strategies as needed to meet established targets and goals
✅ Provide expertise and guidance on marketing best practices in higher education and related settings to Communications team members
✅ Oversee social media management for HHMI and its sub-brands, developing strategies to reach audiences through new platforms and creative approaches
✅ Collaborate with the Director, Leadership Communications and External Relations to provide real-time updates on social media metrics and activity during critical events
✅ Work closely with the Marketing Manager to develop and maintain visual brand standards
✅ Coordinate and oversee the production of visual media for use on internal and external channels
✅ Provide leadership and direction for the Digital Media Asset Management platform and HHMI’s websites, including ongoing redesign efforts
✅ Champion HHMI values by creating an inclusive, collaborative environment focused on excellence and innovation
✅ Supervise five (5) employees, including direct and indirect reports
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership, requiring a well-rounded professional with strong communication, analytical, and management skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree strongly preferred
Experience: 10+ years of experience in the communications field, including marketing, social media, and visual communications expertise, with 10+ years of experience in positions of increasing supervisory and management-level responsibility involving direct supervision of employees and external resources
Required Skills:
- High-level proficiency with digital technologies, visual media, and multiple social media communications tools and analytics
- Demonstrated knowledge of marketing best practices applicable to non-profit and higher education environments
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to use quantitative and qualitative data in making decisions and measuring success
- Demonstrated knowledge of social media and marketing analytics
- Skilled manager who encourages open exchange of ideas and sharing of information
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a highly collaborative environment
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels as a positive and diplomatic team player
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in higher education marketing and sales funnel model
- Creative, disciplined thinker who actively seeks and encourages new approaches and ideas
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in digital media, marketing, and management, along with relevant experience in higher education or non-profit settings, will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $190,260.80 (minimum) - $237,826.00 (midpoint) - $309,173.80 (maximum)
Benefits:
- Competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid schedule of three days at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on HHMI's job market data and considers factors such as education, experience, and internal consistency. The midpoint of the range is typically used for new hires in this position and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Research Services; HHMI focuses on advancing basic biomedical research and science education through various programs and initiatives
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees; As a large organization, HHMI offers diverse opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: 1953; HHMI has a long history of supporting scientific research and education, with a strong reputation in the field
Company Description:
- HHMI is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and science educators with the potential for transformative impact
- The organization invests in people, not projects, and encourages collaborative and results-driven working styles
- HHMI offers an adaptable environment where employees can function at their highest level, contributing to the advancement of science and education
Company Specialties:
- Scientific Research
- Science Education
- Biomedical Research
- Curriculum Materials
- Documentary Films
Company Website: http://www.hhmi.org
ASSUMPTION: HHMI's focus on basic biomedical research and science education provides a unique context for this role, requiring a strong understanding of the organization's mission and priorities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level management position with significant responsibility for leading a team and driving HHMI's digital media and marketing efforts
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director, Marketing and Internal Communications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid schedule with three days at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, and the remaining days working remotely
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the team's reach and impact through innovative digital campaigns and strategies
- Opportunities to collaborate with internal teams and external partners to enhance HHMI's brand and messaging
- Possibility to grow within the Communications department or explore other roles within HHMI as the organization continues to evolve
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and impactful organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid; Employees spend three days on-site at HHMI’s Headquarters and work remotely for the remaining days
Office Location(s): 4000 Jones Bridge Rd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, US
Geographic Context:
- The greater Washington, DC metro area offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities
- HHMI's Headquarters is conveniently located near major transportation hubs and attractions
- The region's vibrant scientific community provides ample networking and collaboration opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid schedule
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their productivity and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Senior Director, Marketing and Internal Communications
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Digital media and marketing expertise
- Leadership and management skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Alignment with HHMI's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of HHMI's mission and the specific requirements of the position
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes to discuss during the interview
- Research HHMI's recent marketing efforts and be ready to discuss how you would build upon or improve them
ATS Keywords: Digital Media, Marketing, Social Media, Visual Communications, Analytics, Campaign Management, Team Leadership, Higher Education Marketing, Brand Management, Graphic Design, Content Strategy
ASSUMPTION: HHMI's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the organization and the individual.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics platforms)
- Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Sketch)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Experience Manager)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they enable effective management of digital media and marketing campaigns.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in science and science education
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and adaptability
- Integrity and accountability
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and results-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and strategic in approach
- Committed to HHMI's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with HHMI's organizational values?
- Describe a time when you successfully led a team to achieve a significant goal. What was your approach, and what challenges did you face?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in digital media and marketing, and how have you applied this knowledge in previous roles?
ASSUMPTION: HHMI seeks candidates who are strongly aligned with the organization's values and work style, as this is crucial for effective collaboration and integration into the team.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing the demands of managing a team and overseeing multiple marketing campaigns simultaneously
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving digital media and marketing landscape
- Navigating the unique dynamics of a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders
- Managing external marketing partners and vendors
- Ensuring consistent branding and messaging across various platforms and channels
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require a proactive, strategic, and adaptable approach, with a strong focus on communication, collaboration, and continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike related roles in higher education or non-profit marketing, this position focuses specifically on digital media and marketing, requiring a deep understanding of digital platforms and analytics
- HHMI's unique mission and focus on scientific research and education set this role apart from similar positions in other industries
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior leadership positions within HHMI's Communications department or exploring other opportunities within the organization
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its context within HHMI is essential for making informed career decisions and setting appropriate expectations for professional growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted digital campaign to increase awareness of HHMI's Janelia Research Campus and its cutting-edge scientific research
- Creating a comprehensive social media strategy to engage a broader audience with HHMI's educational resources and initiatives, such as BioInteractive and Tangled Bank
- Managing a team to redesign HHMI's website, ensuring a user-friendly, visually appealing, and mobile-responsive experience that effectively showcases the organization's work and priorities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, requiring a well-rounded skill set and strategic approach.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into HHMI's overall Communications strategy, and how can I contribute to its success?
- What are the most pressing priorities for the team in the first 90 days, and how can I help address them?
- How does HHMI support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Marketing and Communications department?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
- How does HHMI foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, and what opportunities are there for creative problem-solving in 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 experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your expertise in digital media, marketing, and management
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes to discuss during the interview, demonstrating your ability to drive results and meet established targets
- Research HHMI's recent marketing efforts and be ready to discuss how you would build upon or improve them, showcasing your understanding of the organization's priorities and goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
