Director, Media & Communications

Company: 23andMe Research Institute
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Who We Are We are a group of individuals passionate about genetic discovery. 23andMe Research Institute is a nonprofit medical research organization that enables people everywhere to access their genetic information, learn about themselves, and participate in the world's largest crowdsourced research initiative. The Institute aims to be the world's most significant contributor to scientific advancement, uniting people with the common goal of improving health and deepening our understanding of DNA — the code of life. The Opportunity We're looking for a Director of Media & Communications who sees communication as both art and activism. Someone who can craft narrative as strategy, build trust across diverse audiences, and elevate a brand that’s quietly been doing some of the most important work out there. This is not a maintenance role. It’s a rebuild, a relaunch, and a reimagination. As our Director of Comms, you will be the architect of our external voice and internal cohesion—responsible for shaping how the world sees us, hears us, and engages with us. From media relations to thought leadership, from crisis comms to content strategy, you’ll lead a small, high-impact team and work cross-functionally to bring our mission to life in ways that resonate, inspire, and activate. What You’ll Do Own and evolve our brand narrative—clarifying our mission, values, and voice as we emerge into our next chapter. Build and lead the communications strategy across all external channels: media, digital, social, and executive visibility. Serve as chief storyteller—developing compelling content (and helping others do the same) that bridges the gap between complex research and public understanding. Build, manage and mentor a small team of communications professionals and creative partners. Support internal communications to ensure alignment, morale, and clarity across our 200-person org. Establish clear metrics to evaluate the success and impact of communications efforts. What You’ll Bring A seasoned communications leader (10 years experience), with deep relationships across key media platforms, ideally with experience across both the tech and nonprofit or research sectors. A natural storyteller who can distill complexity into clarity, and ambiguity into action. Deeply attuned to the audience—able to shift tone, channel, and content depending on who needs to hear what. A builder, not a maintainer—you’re excited by change and unafraid of rolling up your sleeves. Experienced in brand building, media strategy, executive comms, crisis management, and content marketing. Mission-driven and values-aligned—you care deeply about impact and integrity. About Us 23andMe, headquartered in California, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. The company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA authorizations for genetic health risk reports. The company has created the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80 percent of its customers electing to participate. 23andMe research participants consent to research conducted by 23andMe which is overseen by an independent third-party Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulated under the 'Common Rule' (45 CFR part 46). More information is available at www.23andme.com/research . At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at accommodations-ext@23andme.com. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law. Please note: 23andMe does not accept agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Thank you. Pay Transparency 23andMe takes a market-based approach to pay, and amounts will vary depending on your geographic location. The salary range reflected here is for a candidate based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. San Francisco Bay Area Base Pay Range $190,000 — $275,000 USD

Keywords: 23andMe Research Institute, Pleasanton , Director, Media & Communications, PR / Public Relations , Palo Alto, California