Director, People Strategy

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

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.