Director, Public Relations & Communications

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute enterprise public relations, media relations, thought leadership, and research communications strategies aligned with JAX's mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to executive leadership and key stakeholders across the organization.
• Develop compelling messaging, media campaigns, press materials, and thought leadership opportunities that elevate JAX's scientific impact and reputation.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, industry influencers, external partners, and other key audiences.
• Identify and prepare JAX leaders and researchers for media interviews, speaking opportunities, and public engagements.
• Lead a high-performing research communications team, translating complex scientific discoveries into engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Establish and manage communications analytics, reporting, and KPIs to measure effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Oversee crisis communications planning, preparedness, and response activities, serving as a spokesperson when needed.
• Manage external communications agencies and strategic partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.
• 6+ years leading strategic communications initiatives, preferably within biomedical research, healthcare, life sciences, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing communications and media relations strategies that drive measurable results.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting scientific, healthcare, biomedical research, or life sciences organizations.
• Experience advising executive leaders and subject matter experts.
• International media relations experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong media relations, stakeholder management, and executive advisory capabilities.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling stories.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
• Experience managing multiple high-impact projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with experience measuring communications performance and impact.

About JAX

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.

EEO Statement

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.