Director, People Strategy

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Chevy Chase, MD

112d • $207,877 - $337,801

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare
• Generous retirement contributions
• Paid leave
• Programs supporting well-being and professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree