Associate Director of Public Relations

Illumina; Coronado (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Genomics sequencing access

Health/dental/vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Illumina seeks an Associate Director of Public Relations to shape global perception of the company as a genomics leader. You will lead media engagement, craft strategic campaigns, and mentor the external communications team from Illumina's San Diego headquarters.

This full-time role requires 15+ years in PR with biotech experience, strong writing, and proven campaign success across scientific audiences; travel to conferences may be required, and you will collaborate with executive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of related experience in public relations.
• 7+ years of management experience in biotech, life sciences, or healthcare preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; ability to translate complex scientific content for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record developing and executing PR campaigns within a scientific or technology-driven organization.
• Experience utilizing media monitoring tools and communications analytics.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement bold PR strategies aligned with Illumina’s objectives, scientific leadership, and brand voice.
• Lead Illumina’s media program, including day-to-day media engagement and journalist relations.
• Align global PR impact for media and brand moments across teams and agencies worldwide.
• Develop and track metrics to motivate the team and drive momentum.
• Collaborate with executive communications to elevate Illumina leaders and voices.
• Develop and activate media materials (press releases, pitches, briefing materials).
• Drive storytelling and elevate spokespeople with innovative ideas.
• Build relationships with journalists, scientific media, influencers, and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic planning

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications

Job description

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients. Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary:

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.

*This is a full‑time role, Monday through Friday, with an expectation of 3‑4 in‑office days per week and additional on‑site presence as needed. The individual must reside in the greater San Diego area and be able to commute to our corporate offices.

Key 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Work Environment:

• This position is primarily based at Illumina headquarters with occasional travel for scientific conferences, media events, or industry engagements.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours may be required to support major announcements, scientific milestones, or crisis communications.

The estimated base salary range for the Associate Director of Public Relations role based in the United States of America is: $155,600 - $233,400. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package.

We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off. We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero‑net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.

Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity. We are made up of dedicated professionals, all‑in on creating a better world – and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all. Learn more about life at Illumina.