Senior Director, Communications And Engagement

About The Lundquist Institute

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (TLI) is Los Angeles County's preeminent independent, not-for-profit biomedical research hub, excelling in transforming scientific breakthroughs into practical therapies. With a $90 million annual budget, the renowned TLI is home to over 150 investigators and 500 staff, advancing 600 projects in areas such as Infection and Immunity, Cancer, and Women's Health. Founded in 1952, the Institute continues to train physician-scientists and manage healthcare programs for 60,000 underserved families throughout South Los Angeles.

About the role

The Lundquist Institute (TLI) seeks a Senior Director, Communications and Engagement ("Senior Director") who can bring strategy, innovation, and creativity to increase awareness of the Institute. This new role with TLI's Advancement team will work closely with the Senior Vice President, Advancement ("SVP") to position the Institute as a global leader in translational research, transforming laboratory discoveries into new medical treatments. Reports to the Senior Vice President, Advancement.

The Senior Director will plan and deliver an integrated communications and engagement strategy to produce content that elevates the Institute's profile, promotes an optimal brand, and encourages philanthropic support. The role will initially have management responsibility for a team of three, with strategic and operational oversight of external communications, events, and a digital strategy that leverages social media and web-based channels to engage with multiple audiences.

The Senior Director is expected to work with a minimum level of direct supervision and must be able to plan and prioritize the workload.

This role is based in Torrance and our hybrid working model allows full-time staff members to work remotely, as appropriate.

What you will be responsible for

In collaboration with the SVP and key stakeholders, plan, develop, and deliver a coordinated communications and engagement strategy aimed at enhancing TLI's corporate image, improving brand recognition, engaging existing and new constituents, and increasing philanthropic support. This strategy will include setting 3-5-year goals and creating solutions, plans, policies, and procedures that support the Institute's goals.

Corporate communications:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to enhance TLI's image, brand recognition, and reputation as a leader in translational research.

• Oversee content creation for all channels, including publications, digital content, and social media.

• In close coordination with Development, craft compelling cases for support, donor stories, and other materials to encourage philanthropic gifts.

Digital strategy

• Ensure a growing digital presence that deepens engagement and increases revenue while maintaining brand integrity and message consistency.

• Oversee website redevelopment projects with a focus on optimizing the user experience for all visitors.

• Develop targeted digital marketing campaigns - including an expansion of TLI's digital fundraising capabilities - to engage donors and other key stakeholders.

• Foster deeper connections with our audiences on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube through a systematic approach to social media engagement.

• Leverage data and analytics to continuously assess success, optimize content, and adjust in real time.

Stakeholder engagement

• Develop and implement a broad range of events and activities that deepen the engagement of donors and other key external stakeholders.

• Explore new opportunities to engage former researchers and volunteer leaders of the Institute as well as potential clinical trial participants.

• Establish and nurture partnerships with community organizations, industry partners, and others focusing on mutually beneficial collaborations that align with TLI's mission.

Team leadership

• Lead the recruitment, management, and professional development of the Communications and Engagement team. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where high-performing colleagues can flourish.

• Manage the team's budget and resources, including overseeing vendors and consultants on key projects and initiatives.

What you will bring

The successful candidate will have communications and engagement experience at a senior level, with expertise in marketing, strategic communications, stakeholder relations, market research, and analytics.

• At least 5 years of experience in relationship management and donor engagement, ideally gained in a university, medical research, or non-profit environment.

• Expertise in strategic communications, marketing, stakeholder relations, and data-driven decision-making.

• Strong skills in managing issues and crisis communications.

• Ability to work with executive leadership and high-level stakeholders.

• Ability to strategically manage a communications and engagement budget to maximize the impact of initiatives.

• Experience managing an organization's social media presence, including content strategy and advertising campaigns.

• Deep interest in TLI's mission and medical research.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven success in leading, mentoring, and motivating a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.

Salary: $122,000-$140,000/yr