Associate Director, Marketing

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to accelerating the conquest of cancer. With 58,000 members in 142 countries, the mission of the AACR is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy and advocacy, and funding for cancer research.

As a key member of the marketing team, the Associate Director, Marketing will collaborate closely with the Director, Marketing and other divisions/departments to reinforce AACR’s position as the world’s premier cancer research association. A core focus of the Associate Director, Marketing role is to develop and execute strategic marketing plans to build awareness of and drive growth for the organization, working cross-functionally with key internal partners. The ideal candidate has a knack for building relationships, thinks strategically and creatively, loves to set and exceed goals, and is excited at the prospect of contributing to the AACR’s mission.

• Develops, implements and evaluates performance of strategic marketing plans to support the AACR’s key initiatives and priorities across its core divisions, including Scientific Programs, Membership, Scientific Reports, Global Affairs, Research and Grants, Science Policy and Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, the AACR Foundation, etc. Manages master marketing calendar to keep all teams on track and ensure plans are on schedule.
• Builds relationships, working synergistically with key leadership across the organization, including the Communications, Membership, Publishing, Foundation, and Scientific Programs teams, regularly sharing marketing plans and priorities and soliciting input to foster collaboration, consistent messaging, and an efficient workflow.
• Collaborates closely with the Creative and Production team to deliver best-in-class marketing materials that strategically support the various departments’ needs.
• Manages the strategy and execution of the organization-wide email/CRM program via Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Owns the master schedule of emails, audience targeting process, and email guidelines to ensure all departments’ needs are met.
• Works closely with the Scientific Programs team to develop plans supporting the AACR’s various special conferences and meetings throughout the year, including the AACR Annual Meeting, the preeminent global event for the cancer research community, attended by 23,000+ scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients and advocates.
• Manages media strategy and relationships to support initiatives. Establishes and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, regularly analyzing results to refine strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Develops measurable exhibition strategy for the organization to reinforce the AACR’s positioning as the world’s premier cancer research association, and to promote the AACR’s key initiatives. Works closely with Marketing Coordinator and Creative Team to ensure the AACR is represented effectively via marketing collateral and booth presentation. Travels to 5-10 events/conferences per year.
• Collaborates with the AACR Foundation to support fundraising goals and strategic initiatives to build awareness among the AACR’s various constituencies.
• Regularly assesses the cancer research landscape to stay abreast of competition and industry trends. Collaborates on research projects as needed to better understand and target the AACR’s key audiences, including members, the broader scientific community, policymakers, the biomedical industry, survivors, patient advocates, and the lay public.
• Supervises marketing staff providing leadership and mentorship, working collaboratively with direct reports to foster a sense of ownership and set goals fostering growth within the organization.
• Works closely with Director, Marketing to set and manage marketing budget on an ongoing basis, ensuring that key priorities are appropriately supported.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7-10 years of marketing and management experience.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with life science or cancer-related organizations or nonprofit marketing experience strongly desired.
• Professional experience with a membership-based organization desired.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills including expertise in writing marketing-centric copy.
• Proven leadership, management, and strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of management.
• A successful track record of developing and delivering strategic, results-oriented marketing campaigns in accordance with deadlines.
• Experience marketing conferences, events, membership and associated activities.
• Experience planning media/advertising campaigns and evaluating performance metrics.
• Experience managing, inspiring, and mentoring staff in a fast-paced environment where work activities and deliverables are dependent on collaboration with a diverse group of creative, technical, and business experts, both internally and externally.
• Independent, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Excellent planning, time and budget management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Computer Knowledge

• Salesforce Database Management, Salesforce Marketing Cloud or similar CRM platform, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook). Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and other creative programs a plus.

How to apply

• Both a resume and cover letter are required to be considered for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer