Director, People Strategy Full-time NEW

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary:
The Director, People Strategy (Talent & Employee Experience) is a pivotal leadership position that drives transformational change in how HHMI attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent. You’ll spearhead the evolution of our people practices to meet the demands of today’s talent market while positioning HHMI as a destination employer.

Working in close partnership with People & Culture leadership, the Chief Operating Officer, and senior executives across the Institute, you’ll architect and execute comprehensive talent strategies that directly support HHMI’s scientific mission. This role offers a rare opportunity to future-proof the employee experience during an era of rapid workforce shifts, shaping how one of the world’s most respected scientific organizations adapts and thrives.

This role works a three-day hybrid schedule at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and reports to the Chief, People & Culture.

This position will remain open until September 26, 2025 at 5:00pm ET, after which applications will no longer be accepted.

What we provide:

• A Meaningful Mission: Contribute to the success of world-class scientific research and science education initiatives by cultivating a people-first, innovative workplace.
• Strategic Leadership Opportunity: Shape people strategy at one of the world’s premier scientific organizations, influencing the entire employee lifecycle.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside colleagues who are committed to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to lead high-impact initiatives, build cutting-edge HR capabilities, and collaborate with leaders across the Institute.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and programs supporting well-being and professional development.

What you will do:

• Transform Talent Acquisition: Shape the future of HHMI’s ability to attract exceptional scientific and operational talent by partnering with leadership to design, refine, and implement forward-looking talent acquisition strategies and processes. Serve primarily as a strategic leader and collaborator, while stepping in directly when needed to advance critical searches.
• Craft and Embed Our Employer Value Proposition: Develop and embed a distinctive employee value proposition that attracts mission-driven professionals and strengthens retention and engagement of current employees.
• Reimagine the Employee Journey: Build seamless, engaging experiences across the employee lifecycle-spanning recruitment, onboarding, development, and advancement-that reflect evolving workforce expectations, labor market dynamics, and HHMI’s unique culture.
• Harness People Analytics: Partner closely with the HRIS and analytics colleagues to translate workforce data and employee insights into actionable strategies. Use these insights to guide decision-making, anticipate trends, measure program effectiveness, and continuously refine HHMI’s people practices.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Foster strong collaborative relationships across People & Culture, the Office of the General Counsel, Marketing and Internal Communications, and Institute leadership to ensure integrated execution of people strategies.
• Champion Organizational Culture: Model HHMI’s values and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability that powers both scientific excellence and employee engagement.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proven experience leading organizational change initiatives, with the ability to align stakeholders, build commitment, and guide teams through periods of transition.
• Ten or more years of progressive HR leadership, including success in recruiting strategy, employee experience, and/or employer value proposition development.
• Experience in positions of increasing supervisory and management-level responsibility involving direct supervision of teams and external partners.
• Strong track record of designing and implementing innovative HR strategies in complex, mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and collaborate effectively across a range of functions.
• Creative, disciplined thinker who actively seeks and applies new approaches to workforce challenges.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels as a positive, diplomatic team player.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$207,877.60 (minimum) – $259,847.00 (midpoint) – $337,801.10 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Bi-weekly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

We use to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Tagged as: Life Sciences