Associate Director of Public Relations

Illumina•San Diego, CA

2d•$155,600 - $233,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Public Relations at Illumina plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception of Illumina as a global leader in genomics and biotechnology. We are looking for a go-getter who is hungry to drive media coverage and earn recognition for Illumina’s innovation and impact in the world. In this role, you will bring deep expertise and creativity to develop and execute PR strategies that earn recognition for the company’s differentiated impact and enhance the authority of Illumina leaders. You will guide media engagement, coordinate global PR activities, and ensure unified messaging that reflects the company’s mission to unlock the power of the genome.

Requirements

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15 years of related experience in public relations, with 7+ years of Management experience - biotech, life sciences, or healthcare industry experience strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a relevant scientific discipline.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific content for diverse audiences.
Proven track record developing and executing successful PR campaigns within a scientific or technology-driven organization.
Demonstrated expertise in issues management and strategic problem-solving.
Experience utilizing media monitoring tools and communications analytics.
Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines within a dynamic, fast-paced industry.

Responsibilities

Design and implement bold and proactive public relations strategies aligned with Illumina’s business objectives, scientific leadership, and brand voice.
Lead Illumina's media program, including day-to-day media engagement, journalist relationship development, global enablement, and creative media strategy for opportunistic impact as well as formal company news.
Align our global PR impact for media and brand moments, including oversight, planning, and coordination with team members and agencies around the world.
Develop and track metrics that help motivate the team and drive momentum for the company.
Collaborate closely with the executive communications team to build drive visibility and eminence for Illumina executives and other leadership voices.
Develop and activate media materials, including press releases, pitches, executive briefing materials, and more.
Bring your innovative ideas and creativity to proactively drive storytelling and elevate our spokespeople.
Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, scientific media, influencers, and industry stakeholders across the biotech, healthcare, and business sectors.
Monitor media coverage of genomics, biotechnology, healthcare, and Illumina, analyzing PR campaign effectiveness, understanding the competitive environment, and delivering strategic insights to company leadership.
Support crisis communication planning and execution, providing direction to business leaders during sensitive situations.
Provide guidance and mentorship to other members of the external communications team, nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.
Partner with marketing, investor relations, R&D, and digital teams to influence strategy, align tactics, and ensure consistent, accurate messaging across channels and audiences.
Drive dialogue with cross-functional stakeholders to maintain awareness of upcoming milestones and news moments, providing strategic counsel on external communications and influencing key storytelling opportunities.