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:
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances scientific discovery and education in the life sciences. Our headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD area supports a dynamic, distributed ecosystem of scientists, educators, and research programs across the country.
We are seeking a Director, Enterprise Applications & Integrations, internally referred to as a Director, Operations Capabilities, to lead and evolve the enterprise technology platforms that power HHMI’s institutional operations.
This role owns the strategy, performance, and evolution of core enterprise systems across People & Culture, Finance, Communications, and related functions. As a key partner to scientific and operational leaders, the Director ensures these systems drive operational excellence, enable data-informed decision-making, and deliver a seamless user experience.
Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this role also plays a critical part in advancing AI-enabled capabilities across enterprise systems—balancing innovation with governance, data integrity, and long-term sustainability.
This position is based at HHMI’s headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD. It follows a hybrid schedule of three days in the office per week with occasional travel to Janelia Research Campus.
What You’ll Get:
Mission-Focused Work: The opportunity to shape the systems that support world-class scientific discovery.
Strategic Partnership in Cutting-Edge Work: Working directly with senior leadership to shape enterprise-wide strategy and influence AI governance and emerging technology security.
Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.
What You’ll Do:
Enterprise Strategy & Business Partnership
Define and execute enterprise technology strategy for HHMI’s core business platforms, aligning investments with institutional priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to scientific and operational leaders, identifying opportunities to improve process, systems, and outcomes. Translate complex organizational needs into clear technology roadmaps and scalable solutions.
Lead governance, prioritization, and planning processes across competing initiatives.
Enterprise Applications and Platforms
Own the lifecycle of enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, Ariba, Concur), from strategy and implementation through optimization and support.
Drive continuous improvement of business processes, system configurations, and user experience.
Ensure effective release management, vendor coordination, and platform performance.
Enable users across the organization to fully leverage enterprise tools.
Data, Integration, & Analytics
Oversee integration architecture and data flows across enterprise systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security.
Partner with data governance and cybersecurity teams to maintain data integrity and compliance.
Lead analytics and reporting capabilities that support strategic and operational decision-making.
Establish standards and best practices for data exchange and interoperability.
Direct the development and maintenance of secure, reliable, and efficient data integrations that connect enterprise applications across HHMI.
Collaborate with data governance and cybersecurity teams to ensure the integrity, protection, and appropriate use of institutional data.
Establish integration standards, best practices, and data exchange protocols that promote interoperability and sustainability.
Leads analytics and reporting to deliver insights that guide strategic and operational decisions.
Team Leadership and Operational Excellence
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning applications, integrations, and analytics.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team environment.
Oversee delivery management, ensuring successful execution of projects and services.
Define and track KPIs, service levels, and outcomes to measure impact and effectiveness.
Manage budgets, vendors, and external partners to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Drive adoption of new technologies and capabilities, including AI-enabled tools within enterprise systems.
What You Bring:
Education:
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent and extensive related project experience
Experience:
15+ years of leadership experience in enterprise technology environments, including SaaS-based ERP platforms (Workday preferred).
Experience leading enterprise applications, integrations, and data initiatives at scale.
Track record of delivering complex, cross-functional technology programs.
Experience working closely with senior executives and business leaders.
Experience operating in environments balancing innovation with governance and compliance.
Leadership & Capabilities:
Strategic thinker with the ability to connect technology investments to organizational outcomes.
Strong collaborator and communicator, able to build trust across diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
Skilled in prioritization, decision-making, and navigating competing demands.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Technical & Domain Expertise:
Deep understanding of enterprise platforms (ERP, HRIS, Finance, Procurement).
Experience with integration architecture, data management, and analytics.
Familiarity with cloud-based SaaS ecosystems and modern system architectures.
Experience with Agile and product/delivery management practices.
Awareness of emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and their application in enterprise environments.
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 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. #LI-EG1
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 Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$200,184.80 (minimum) - $250,231.00 (midpoint) - $325,300.30 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMI’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 m
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