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), 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.
Skills 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
- Experience developing and executing communications and media relations strategies that drive measurable results
- Experience supporting scientific, healthcare, biomedical research, or life sciences organizations
- Experience advising executive leaders and subject matter experts
- International media relations experience
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Strong media relations, stakeholder management, and executive advisory capabilities
- Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling stories
- Strategic, hands-on, results-oriented approach
- Experience managing multiple high-impact projects and priorities simultaneously
- Strong analytical skills with experience measuring communications performance and impact
The Jackson Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Jackson Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by The Jackson Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions up to 10% and employer‑paid life and disability insurance indicate robust long‑term financial support. The retirement program is positioned as a standout element of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, fertility benefits, FSAs, EAP access, and onsite fitness centers point to strong healthcare support. These offerings contribute to a well‑rounded, reliable benefits foundation.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Entry‑level operations roles advertise site‑specific starting pay with regularly scheduled increases. Publicly posted entry rates and promised regular increases can help satisfaction early on.
The Jackson Laboratory Insights
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops
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