American Physical Society · 1 day ago
Chief marketing and communications officer (CMO)
College Park, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$277K/yr - $377K/yr
15+ years expThe American Physical Society (APS) is a nonprofit membership organization devoted to advancing and diffusing the knowledge of physics. The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMO) provides visionary leadership for APS’s global marketing and communications strategy, ensuring clear and compelling communications that drive revenue growth and expand APS's reach within the global physics community.
AssociationCommunitiesEducationLifestyleNon Profit
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and evolve an integrated, global, and digital communications, content, and marketing strategy that drives APS business priorities, grows revenue, supports mission, and enhances the Society’s reputation and influence
In partnership with C-suite leaders, define and track key performance indicators aligned with APS strategic priorities
Translate APS’s enterprise strategic priorities into a clear, integrated marketing and communications vision, supported by a multi-year transformation roadmap and a coordinated campaign planning framework that drives alignment, accountability, and execution across the organization
Leverage analytics and customer insight to inform strategy and connect marketing and communications activity to measurable engagement and business outcomes
Lead market analysis to identify new products and growth opportunities in partnership with APS business units
Monitor emerging trends in marketing, member engagement, and digital strategy, translating insights into innovative, actionable approaches
Lead the development of all internal and external communications products, including websites, newsletters, press materials, social media, marketing campaigns, internal communications, and staff intranet
Own and evolve APS’s enterprise positioning and messaging framework to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across audiences, channels, and business lines in support of the Society’s mission and strategic priorities
Lead and inspire the team to create mission storytelling – translating science and purpose into compelling external narratives
Foster strategic partnerships with scientific societies, institutions, agencies, and global organizations to advance shared goals and extend APS’s global reach and visibility
Oversee APS crisis communications ensuring alignment with supporting frameworks and decision trees adopted by APS governance and leadership
Set and lead APS’s content strategy, ensuring all digital and other content across APS’s website and social media platforms, publications, meetings, and membership collateral, advances organizational goals, engages global audiences, and reflects APS’s mission and brand voice
Establish and oversee content governance and workflow frameworks that define ownership, decision-making, and quality standards across marketing, communications, and web production teams, ensuring a unified and consistent user experience
Foster innovation and integration across channels, aligning storytelling, digital experience, and marketing initiatives to deliver cohesive, accessible, and dynamic content that elevates APS’s global reach and reputation
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive digital engagement roadmap that enhances the customer experience across all digital touchpoints
Partner with the CIO to drive APS’s digital transformation, ensuring cohesive, engaging, accessible, and personalized experiences across all customer-facing platforms
Lead APS’s search and discovery strategy, including SEO and emerging discovery channels, to improve the visibility, accessibility, and impact of APS content across global audiences and platforms
Use analytics, segmentation, and lifetime value models to improve member and author acquisition, retention and engagement, embedding customer-centric insight into APS’s growth and engagement strategies
Own audience and customer lifecycle strategy across members, authors, and customers—driving coordinated acquisition, engagement, retention, and long-term value across APS programs, products, and touchpoints
Lead initiatives that harness data analytics and customer insights to personalize communications, optimize marketing strategies, and deepen engagement and retention
As a senior leadership team member, provide operational, cultural, and behavioral leadership
Foster internal and external relationships to advance strategy and strengthen the APS brand
Provide strategic direction and ensure mentorship and professional development across the communications and marketing team
In partnership with C-suite partners, track agreed-upon key performance indicators, ensuring alignment with APS strategic priorities
Oversee the department’s budget responsibly, aligning resources with strategic priorities and organizational goals
Build effective working relationships with the APS Board, using engagement as an opportunity to pressure-test ideas, deepen understanding of audience needs, refine strategic priorities, and provide guidance and direction on effective leadership communications
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
15+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, digital and digital engagement, including enterprise-scale strategy and transformation leadership
5+ years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for strategy, teams, and budget oversight
Demonstrated expertise in leveraging digital marketing, data, analytics, and marketing technology (e.g., CRM, CDPs, Campaign Activation) to drive insight, engagement, and growth
Proven ability to interpret and operationalize an organization's mission and strategic vision—setting clear direction and aligning global marketing and communications efforts to deliver measurable impact
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise reputation management strategy, ensuring proactive monitoring, timely response to emerging issues, and consistent reinforcement of APS values
Demonstrated experience in audience development and engagement, including managing member, author, and B2B and B2C customer lifecycles to drive long-term value and participation
Exceptional storytelling, writing, and editing skills across diverse media platforms
Proven track record in building community and enabling multiple paths for engagement among groups and between individuals
Strong collaborative skills and proven ability to work with a variety of stakeholders
Commitment to APS core values in leadership and communication practice
Preferred
Experience in membership or scientific organizations, and with global research publications, is a plus
Benefits
Health and wellness
Retirement savings and planning services
Professional development
Generous time off
Company
American Physical Society
American Physical Society is a non-profit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jonathan Bagger
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2025-11-12
2025-11-01
Chicago Tribune
2025-09-26
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