Director, Media Relations and Communications

Natera

22h • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Director of Media Relations and Communications to build and lead a proactive, high-impact media program that elevates our visibility across national, local, and trade media. This role is focused on execution, which includes developing compelling stories, driving consistent coverage, and strengthening relationships with key reporters and external partners. The individual in this role will join the communications team, reporting into the vice president of corporate communications, while working closely with key stakeholders across the company. The ideal candidate is a strong operator and storyteller who thrives in a fast-paced environment, knows how to turn complex topics into clear narratives, and can independently drive media outcomes. This role will also be exposed to all areas of external communications.

Requirements

• Experience in healthcare, biotech, or life sciences strongly preferred, including the ability to communicate complex scientific data
• Demonstrated success securing media coverage across national, local, and trade outlets, including experience driving drive broad consumer/patient awareness
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with significant experience drafting press materials and media pitches
• Experience managing external PR agencies and driving results through partners
• Proven ability to build relationships with reporters and navigate complex, technical subject matter
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to operate independently and execute with minimal oversight
• Executive presence and an entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to identify areas of opportunity and fill gaps
• The ability to produce high-quality content under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Bachelor's degree, with 8-10 years of experience in communications and media relations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in PowerPoint/Google Slides, and familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute a proactive media strategy
• Develop and implement a consistent, forward-looking media plan aligned to company priorities, with a strong emphasis on oncology
• Identify news moments, trends, and story angles that position the company as a leader in its space
• Drive a steady cadence of high-quality media coverage across national, local, and trade outlets
• Develop and manage media relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key reporters, editors, and producers
• Proactively pitch stories, coordinate briefings, and manage ongoing media engagement
• Serve as a contact for inbound media inquiries
• Manage external PR agency
• Oversee external PR firm to ensure alignment with strategy, messaging, and priorities
• Set clear goals, manage deliverables, and hold agency accountable for performance
• Optimize agency support to extend team capacity and impact
• Drive story development and content creation
• Partner cross-functionally to identify compelling stories, including clinical data, innovation, patient impact, and company milestones
• Draft and edit media pitches, statements, briefing materials, and press releases when needed
• Ensure all external communications are clear, accurate, and aligned with company messaging
• Coordinate third-party engagement
• Identify and manage relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., clinicians, partners, advocates) who can support media stories
• Facilitate participation in interviews, quotes, and broader storytelling opportunities
• Manage media assets and readiness
• Develop and maintain a library of media-ready assets (fact sheets, backgrounders, FAQs, visuals, spokespeople materials)
• Ensure the company is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to media opportunities and inquiries
• Support executive visibility
• Partner with senior leadership to prepare for media engagements, including briefings, messaging, and interview prep
• Help identify opportunities to elevate executive voices in key outlets

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families
• Fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• Commuter benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director