Director, Public Relations & Communications
At a glance
Director-level Public Relations role at Thejacksonlaboratory. New York · full-time · $146,306–$212,141 base.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Set organization-wide plans for public relations, media outreach, research communications and thought leadership
- Advise senior leaders and stakeholders, and prepare researchers for interviews, talks and public appearances
- Shape press materials and campaigns that explain scientific discoveries and build JAX’s public profile
- Lead the research communications team in turning complex science into accessible content for varied audiences
- Track communications results, oversee crisis response, and manage outside agencies and strategic partners
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field
- At least ten years in communications, public relations or media relations, including six years leading strategic work
- A record of delivering communications and media strategies with measurable results
Who this fits
This director role suits an experienced communications leader who can advise executives, handle media relationships and translate scientific work for broad audiences. It is a remote U.S.-based position with periodic travel to JAX campuses and events; East Coast candidates receive preference.
From the employer
Shape the Narrative. Amplify Scientific Discovery. Advance Human Health.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), a global nonprofit biomedical research institution, seeks an experienced and strategic Director, Public Relations & Communications to lead enterprise-wide public relations, media relations, thought leadership, and research communications initiatives.
This leader will develop and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate JAX's visibility, strengthen its reputation, and position JAX and its researchers as trusted voices in biomedical research, genomics, and precision medicine. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, media relations expert, and strategic advisor who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at building relationships across scientific, executive, and external audiences.
Location & Travel
This is a remote U.S.-based position requiring periodic travel to JAX campuses and events. Preference will be given to candidates located on the East Coast.
Compensation
Salary Range: $146,306 - $212,141
Compensation is based on relevant experience, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. JAX offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee health, well-being, and professional growth.
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
Required
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 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.
Join JAX and help tell the stories behind discoveries that are transforming human health around the world.
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, New York, Florida), 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. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
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.
Public Relations work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.
Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.
Public Relations$140k+
Find me workBy the team behind growthroles.