Media Relations Specialist

As the Media Relations Specialist you will be able to advance organization-wide media relations efforts by cultivating strong relationships with journalists, identifying compelling story opportunities, and elevating scientific and institutional achievements across national, regional, and trade outlets. In this role you will manage proactive and reactive media outreach, connects subject‑matter experts with reporters, and supports all aspects of media engagement—from inquiry management to interview preparation. The position requires exceptional writing skills for press materials, strong organizational capabilities for tracking media activity and deadlines, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role relies on seasoned media outreach experience, established press relationships, and proficiency with media databases and communication tools. Experience navigating cross‑functional initiatives, shaping narratives that enhance organizational reputation, and contributing to crisis communications is highly valuable, as is familiarity with science or health‑related subject matter.

This role is hybrid/remote to our Farmington, CT

Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)

• Drives proactive and reactive media outreach to secure meaningful coverage across key outlets. Identifies and pitches compelling stories that elevate research, scientific initiatives, and organizational priorities.

• Manages media inquiries and coordinates interviews, ensuring subject‑matter experts are well prepared. Serves as a primary liaison between reporters and internal experts to support accurate, timely coverage.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with journalists and internal stakeholders to advance media opportunities.

• Lead the tracking, organization, and ongoing monitoring of media coverage across the team. Develop monthly reports that analyze and summarize earned and organic media results.

• Produce press releases, media advisories, and other priority content to support institutional visibility. Oversee timely website publication and work closely with the team to ensure visuals strengthen and amplify the story.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (What you're good at)

• 5+ years public relations experience with a proven track record of successful placements and media relationship building.

• Excellent writing and communication skills. Candidate should enjoy a fast-paced environment and demonstrate initiative, creativity, flexibility, and attention to detail.

• Experience with Meltwater or similar database a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) required.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously to successful completion.

• Demonstrated ability to be a strong team player, and to develop and maintain a professional and positive work environment.

• Proven ability to organize time effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize work.

Pay Range for this position is $65,018 - $108,857 based on total year of related experience

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.