📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: PR Manager (Hybrid/Remote)
🔹 Company: Illumina
🔹 Location: United States (Remote/Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Biotechnology Research
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing strategic public relations plans to support company news and milestones
- Engaging with the media to secure podcast opportunities, generate trade media coverage, and build relationships with journalists
- Collaborating closely with members of the communications team to ensure cohesive, aligned messaging across channels
- Serving as the operational coordinator for Illumina’s public relations function, including project tracking and editorial calendar maintenance
- Working on complex assignments where problem solving requires conceptual thinking, high business acumen, and professional judgment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the biotech or healthcare industry, as well as the ability to grasp complex science, technology, and medical themes and communicate them to a broad audience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Executes with excellence on objective-based assignments, including research projects, writing, material development, and copy editing
✅ Develops and executes strategic public relations plans to support company news and other milestones and measures and reports results
✅ Engages with the media to secure podcast opportunities, generate trade media coverage, place feature stories, and build relationships with journalists
✅ Collaborates closely with members of the communications team to ensure cohesive, aligned messaging across channels
✅ Engages with business leaders, marketing colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders to identify and build newsworthy stories that support communications objectives
✅ Serves as the operations coordinator for Illumina’s public relations function, including project tracking and editorial calendar maintenance, as well as media list management
✅ Builds work plans and determines resources needed to meet goals and deliver tactical results
✅ Works on complex assignments where problem solving requires conceptual thinking as all factors may not be clearly defined
✅ Possesses high business acumen and professional judgment and demonstrates a sense of urgency / bias for action, required in effective media response
✅ Frequently interacts with company leaders and subject matter experts, customers, and/or functional peer group professionals
✅ Leads cooperative efforts with stakeholders outside own area of expertise
✅ Interactions require effective communication and presentation of results/recommendations
✅ Reports to Head of Public Relations
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously and managing deadlines effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or PhD preferred
Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience
Required Skills:
- Strong writing skills – including experience writing press releases, pitches, op-eds, backgrounders, FAQs, and other media tools
- Strong operational mindset – ability to maintain and organize databases, project trackers, and utilize project management software
- Ability to identify, track, and report relevant PR metrics
- Clear and proactive communicator with ability to manage the needs of multiple stakeholders, including C-Suite
- Precise attention to detail
- Highly collaborative
- Strategic thinker and proactive problem solver
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic and agile environment
Preferred Skills:
- Biotech, life sciences, or healthcare industry experience
- Experience working both in-house and in an agency setting
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in public relations and a proven track record of success in the biotech or healthcare industry are preferred.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $115,800 - $173,800 (USD) per year
Benefits:
- Health/Dental/Vision
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Access to genomics sequencing
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a PR Manager role in the biotech industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and internal equity.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Illumina operates in the biotechnology research industry, focusing on applying innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function.
Company Size: Illumina is a large company with approximately 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 1998, with a mission to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago.
Company Description:
- Innovative, array-based solutions for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis
- Tools for disease research, drug development, and the development of molecular tests in the clinic
- Global company prioritizing collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and prioritizing the needs of its customers
Company Specialties:
- Genomic sequencing
- Genetic analysis
- Biotechnology research
Company Website: http://www.illumina.com
ASSUMPTION: Illumina is a well-established company in the biotechnology research industry, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in public relations and the biotech industry.
Reporting Structure: The PR Manager reports directly to the Head of Public Relations and collaborates with various teams, including marketing, sales, and HR, to develop stories and winning approaches that advance business priorities across external channels.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid/Remote, with the option to work remotely from any location within the United States.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership role within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the company’s mission
- Chance to develop expertise in the biotech industry and gain experience working with a global company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with the option to work remotely from any location within the United States
Office Location(s): Multiple locations worldwide, with the option to work remotely
Geographic Context:
- Illumina has offices in multiple countries, providing opportunities for international collaboration and growth
- The United States is the primary market for Illumina, with a strong focus on the biotech and healthcare industries
- Remote work options allow for greater flexibility and work-life balance
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid/remote work arrangement provides a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance for employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the biotech or healthcare industry
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the biotech or healthcare industry and Illumina’s mission
- Showcase your writing and communication skills through examples of your work
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Engagement, Strategic Planning, Writing Skills, Project Management, Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Business Acumen, Operational Coordination, Stakeholder Management, Research, Copy Editing, Metrics Tracking, Agility
ASSUMPTION: Illumina’s hiring process is designed to assess candidates’ skills and cultural fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or JIRA)
- Media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, or Cision)
- Writing and design tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or Adobe Creative Cloud)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on Illumina’s internal systems and processes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Quality
- Customer focus
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and action-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and flexible
- Customer-centric and customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of the biotech or healthcare industry and the ability to communicate complex themes to a broad audience?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do you possess strong writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage the needs of multiple stakeholders, including C-Suite?
- Are you a strategic thinker and proactive problem solver, with a high degree of business acumen and professional judgment?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid or remote work environment, with the ability to manage your time and priorities effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Illumina values employees who are innovative, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong customer focus and a commitment to quality.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously and managing tight deadlines
- The need to grasp complex science, technology, and medical themes and communicate them to a broad audience may require significant research and learning
- The hybrid/remote work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance and staying connected with colleagues
- The competitive nature of the biotech industry may require continuous learning and adaptation to stay current with industry trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong time management skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other PR Manager roles in the biotech industry, this role may require a higher degree of industry-specific knowledge and expertise
- The biotech industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration
- Career paths in the biotech industry may vary depending on the specific company and role, but typically involve progression through increasingly senior and leadership positions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the biotech industry, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and customer focus.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic public relations plan to support the launch of a new genomics sequencing platform
- Securing media coverage for Illumina’s participation in a major biotech industry conference or trade show
- Collaborating with marketing colleagues to develop and distribute a press release announcing a significant milestone in Illumina’s research and development efforts
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of responsibilities and initiatives that a PR Manager in the biotech industry might be expected to undertake.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department, and how this role fits into the broader organization?
- How does Illumina support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications department?
- Can you provide examples of how Illumina has successfully navigated challenges or crises in the past, and what role PR has played in those efforts?
- How does Illumina approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and promotional practices, and what initiatives are in place to support employees from underrepresented backgrounds?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured in these areas?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company, as well as to assess the candidate’s cultural fit and potential for success in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your industry-specific knowledge and writing and communication abilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively, as well as your understanding of the biotech or healthcare industry and Illumina’s mission
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement, as well as your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department within one week of your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and address any remaining questions or concerns
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
