Associate Director of Public Relations

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 Illuminas innovation and impact in the this role you will bring deep expertise and creativity to develop and execute PR strategies that earn recognition for the companys 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 companys 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.

• Design and implement bold and proactive public relations strategies aligned with Illuminas business objectives scientific leadership and brand voice.
• Lead Illuminas 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.

• Typically requires a Bachelors 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.
• Bachelors 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.

• 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: $155600 - $233400. 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 longterm 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 To learn more visit: 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.