The Senior Director, Marketing & Communications serves as the lead strategist, storyteller, and implementer for ASHG, shaping and executing an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances the organization’s brand, educational products, membership, and events. This individual leads all aspects of marketing, website, communications, and public engagement —ensuring consistency, creativity, and measurable impact across interaction with the biomedical and clinical research community.

Reporting to the CEO, the senior director charts the course for marketing and communications, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and develops compelling messaging that promotes ASHG’s mission and offerings. This role is responsible for crafting and conveying the unique value proposition of the organization, inspiring engagement from the global genetics and genomics community—both within ASHG and among the broader public.

Strategic Marketing & Communications – 40%

• Develop and execute integrated marketing plans that prioritize target audiences, define outcomes, and measure success.
• Craft impactful messaging that communicates ASHG’s story, the promise and impact of human genetics and genomics research, the value of membership, and the benefits of ASHG’s products and services.
• Lead marketing efforts for ASHG’s Annual Meeting, member programs, membership, and educational events to increase engagement and attendance.
• Create an overall marketing strategy for membership acquisition and retention.
• Oversee branding across all communication channels including websites, social media, email, print, signage, and multimedia.

Digital & Content Management – 25%

• Manage ASHG’s website, including updates, development projects, and digital communications.
• Direct email marketing campaigns end-to-end: planning, targeting, testing, execution, reporting, and optimization.
• Lead marketing automation initiatives, including personalized landing pages and lead-generating campaigns.
• Oversee strategic advertising via Google Ads, Facebook, Twitter, and third-party publications.
• Create and manage multimedia marketing assets for new digital program offerings such as videos, podcasts, webinars, and other digital content.

Public & Media Relations – 20% 

• Serve as ASHG’s media liaison and manage the development of media responses. Work with advocacy & policy team to craft public statements and responses. Proactively promotes ASHG’s journal content and related activities to build ASHG’s reputation as a media resource.
• Monitor media coverage and produce reports on communications activities and issues. Develop a core group of “beat” journalists for increased coverage for general public.
• Cultivate and train a cadre of members to serve as organizational spokespeople. 

Team & Project Management – 15% 

• Manage communications team deliverables including annual reports, collateral, and website updates.
• Supervise staff and vendors supporting ASHG’s digital platforms and communications.
• Oversee budgets, billing targets, and campaign ROI.
• Serve as secondary staff liaison for the Public Engagement Advisory Committee and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Use data-driven insights (e.g., Google Analytics) to refine strategies and optimize campaign performance.

• Minimum 15 years of proven success in a senior management role; corporate, association, agency, or non-profit organization. 
• Minimum 15 years of experience in managing comprehensive strategic marketing and communications, media relations, and marketing programs to advance an organization's mission and goals. 
• 5+ years in food, health, nutrition, scientific societies, trade associations, and/or medical industry preferred 

Special Skills/Knowledge

• Collaborative and Service-Oriented – Builds strong working relationships and contributes positively to team dynamics; consistently delivers courteous and professional support to colleagues and external partners.
• Exceptional Communicator – Demonstrates excellence in both written and verbal communication, tailoring messages effectively for diverse audiences.  Able to listen and synthesize exhibiting high emotional intelligence. 
• Team Player with a Positive Attitude – Approaches work with flexibility and a cooperative mindset, taking ownership and adapting to changing needs. Plays important role on management team to develop organizational cohesion.
• Results-Driven and Reliable – Follows through on commitments and maintains a strong focus on achieving outcomes.
• Proactive Problem Solver – Continuously seeks opportunities for improvement, offering thoughtful suggestions and practical solutions to challenges. Brings creative thinking to tackle complex topics/issues.
• Business-Savvy – Possesses a solid understanding of association operations and the strategic priorities of trade association members.

About American Society of Human Genetics

ASHG is a dynamic professional community of human genetics researchers, clinicians and other specialists who work at the leading edge of discovery, generating new genetic knowledge and translating it rapidly to improve human health and well-being. A non-profit founded in 1948, ASHG has nearly 8,000 members worldwide; hosts as many as 9,000 attendees annually at the world’s largest genetics and genomics meeting; publishes one of the field’s most respected journals; and undertakes a growing array of public outreach, education, policy, and advocacy programs throughout the year. ASHG is a dynamic and healthy organization with 31 staff, an annual budget of nearly $8 million, and prudent reserves. The ASHG office is located in Rockville, MD, near the North Bethesda Metro rail station, in office space that includes free parking, onsite fitness facility, and dining options. We offer a work environment with a great mission, collegial team, and professional trust and respect.

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