Director, Media Relations and Communications

Director, Media Relations and Communications
US Remote

Location: REMOTE US-based

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.

Key Activities

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 (clinicians, partners, advocates) who can support media stories

Facilitate participation in interviews, quotes, and broader storytelling opportunities

Travel likely required, particularly given heavy emphasis on coordination of local activities for specific stories

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

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

Desired Skills and Experience

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 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

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $165,600 - $207,000 USD (based on factors such as skill set, experience, certifications, location)

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, parental benefits, 401(k) plans, commuter benefits, free testing for employees and their families, pregnancy and baby bonding leave, and a generous employee referral program.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr