Application Guide
How to Apply for Assistant Director, Media
at The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
🏢 About The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is a global health research center at the University of Washington, known for producing the most comprehensive data on health trends worldwide, including the Global Burden of Disease study. Working here means contributing to data-driven insights that shape policies and save lives, with a mission-driven atmosphere and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
About This Role
As Assistant Director, Media, you will lead a team to translate complex health research into compelling stories that reach journalists and stakeholders globally. This role is pivotal in shaping public understanding of critical health issues, from pandemics to non-communicable diseases, and requires strategic thinking and agile management to navigate fast-paced news cycles.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring morning news for health-related stories and responding to journalist inquiries. You'd then lead a team stand-up to assign tasks, review press materials, and coordinate interviews with researchers. Later, you might analyze media metrics from recent coverage and strategize with the communications director on upcoming pitches, while also planning content for the podcast and newsletter.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Is Looking For
- -
- P
- r
- o
- v
- e
- n
- e
- x
- p
- e
- r
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- i
- n
- m
- e
- d
- i
- a
- r
- e
- l
- a
- t
- i
- o
- n
- s
- ,
- w
- i
- t
- h
- a
- t
- r
- a
- c
- k
- r
- e
- c
- o
- r
- d
- o
- f
- s
- e
- c
- u
- r
- i
- n
- g
- t
- o
- p
- -
- t
- i
- e
- r
- c
- o
- v
- e
- r
- a
- g
- e
- i
- n
- h
- e
- a
- l
- t
- h
- ,
- s
- c
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- ,
- o
- r
- p
- o
- l
- i
- c
- y
- o
- u
- t
- l
- e
- t
- s
- .
- -
- S
- t
- r
- o
- n
- g
- l
- e
- a
- d
- e
- r
- s
- h
- i
- p
- a
- n
- d
- t
- e
- a
- m
- m
- a
- n
- a
- g
- e
- m
- e
- n
- t
- s
- k
- i
- l
- l
- s
- ,
- a
- b
- l
- e
- t
- o
- m
- e
- n
- t
- o
- r
- a
- n
- d
- g
- u
- i
- d
- e
- s
- t
- a
- f
- f
- u
- n
- d
- e
- r
- p
- r
- e
- s
- s
- u
- r
- e
- .
- -
- E
- x
- c
- e
- p
- t
- i
- o
- n
- a
- l
- w
- r
- i
- t
- i
- n
- g
- a
- n
- d
- e
- d
- i
- t
- i
- n
- g
- s
- k
- i
- l
- l
- s
- f
- o
- r
- p
- r
- e
- s
- s
- r
- e
- l
- e
- a
- s
- e
- s
- ,
- m
- e
- d
- i
- a
- a
- d
- v
- i
- s
- o
- r
- i
- e
- s
- ,
- a
- n
- d
- d
- i
- g
- i
- t
- a
- l
- c
- o
- n
- t
- e
- n
- t
- .
- -
- S
- t
- r
- a
- t
- e
- g
- i
- c
- t
- h
- i
- n
- k
- e
- r
- w
- i
- t
- h
- d
- a
- t
- a
- -
- d
- r
- i
- v
- e
- n
- a
- p
- p
- r
- o
- a
- c
- h
- t
- o
- m
- e
- a
- s
- u
- r
- i
- n
- g
- m
- e
- d
- i
- a
- i
- m
- p
- a
- c
- t
- a
- n
- d
- a
- d
- j
- u
- s
- t
- i
- n
- g
- t
- a
- c
- t
- i
- c
- s
- .
📝 Tips for Applying to The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
Highlight specific examples of media campaigns you've led, especially those that resulted in significant coverage in major outlets (e.g., New York Times, Reuters).
Quantify your achievements, such as 'increased media mentions by 30%' or 'secured 50+ interviews for experts'.
Demonstrate your experience with podcasts and newsletters, as the role oversees the Global Health Insights podcast and newsletter.
Show your ability to work remotely with overlapping hours with Pacific Time, and mention any experience working with global teams.
Tailor your application to IHME's mission by referencing specific IHME research (e.g., Global Burden of Disease) and how you would pitch it.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Express enthusiasm for IHME's mission and impact on global health policy. - Emphasize your leadership experience in media teams and your ability to manage crises. - Provide examples of how you've used analytics to refine media strategies. - Mention your experience with podcasts or newsletters and ideas for growing GHI.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read IHME's latest reports, especially the Global Burden of Disease study and COVID-19 projections.
- → Listen to an episode of the 'Global Health Insights' podcast to understand its format and audience.
- → Review IHME's press page and recent news coverage to see how they handle media relations.
- → Understand IHME's key stakeholders and how media impacts policy decisions.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't emphasize traditional PR over digital media; this role values analytics and digital platforms.
- Avoid generic statements about 'passion for health' without showing specific knowledge of IHME's work.
- Don't overlook the remote work requirement; be clear about your ability to work overlapping hours with Pacific Time.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation!