Communications and Media Relations Coordinator

Job Summary

The Communications Coordinator (CC) provides strategic and administrative support to the Director of Communications (DOC) and assists with the execution of communications initiatives that advance the Institute's visibility, reputation, and mission. The CC supports the development and implementation of media relations activities, science communication initiatives, training programs, and other projects that promote La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) research and leadership.

This role requires exceptional organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The CC frequently interacts with Institute leadership, faculty, media, and external partners, and must maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a collaborative mindset at all times.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Communications and Project Coordination

• Provides administrative and operational support to the Director of Communications, including scheduling, meeting preparation, correspondence, and coordination of communications initiatives.
• Coordinates production timelines and deliverables for communication materials, publications, and digital content.
• Manages internal workflows for various projects, including newsletters, website updates, videos, and outreach campaigns.
• Serves as a liaison between the Communications team and internal/external stakeholders to ensure projects stay on track.
• Special projects as assigned.

Media Relations

• Conducts proactive and reactive media outreach, including drafting press materials, maintaining media lists, and tracking coverage.
• Works closely with DOC to develop a strategic media outreach plan.
• Coordinates interviews, filming, and media visits on-site; assists with logistics and researcher preparation.
• Monitors media inquiries and ensures timely responses in coordination with the DOC.
• Maintains an archive of media coverage and assists in producing media performance reports.

Science Communication, Training and Initiatives

• Develops content to promote LJI research in various formats, including press releases, magazine articles, website content, blog articles, social media postings and others.
• Supports social media campaigns and storytelling initiatives.
• Assists in organizing and tracking projects that promote science literacy and engagement, including partnerships, forums, and community outreach campaigns.

Operational Responsibilities

• Manages contracts with vendors, freelancers, and suppliers related to communications projects.
• Processes invoices, purchase orders, and check requests.
• Organizes and maintains the Communications Department's digital and physical assets, including multimedia files, press materials, and templates.
• Updates LJI's external-facing materials (e.g., fact sheets, faculty bios, slide decks) and ensures they are accessible.

Publications and Content Coordination

• Produces and distributes the weekly internal newsletter (Weekly Report) and quarterly external newsletter (E-Matters).
• Collects research updates, staff news, and event information.
• Edits and formats content for consistency with LJI branding and tone.

Events and Outreach

• Provides support for public-facing communications events, such as media briefings and science outreach programs.
• Coordinates logistics and provides on-site support for filming, interviews, photoshoots, and media-related events.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Skills

• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with scientists, media, and leadership.
• Familiarity with digital communications tools, media databases, and project management software.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe Creative Suite and content management systems preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Science degree strongly preferred.
• Ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, accurate, and engaging content for a variety of audiences.
• Previous experience in science communications, public relations, or media coordination,
• preferably in a scientific, academic, or nonprofit environment.

Salary Range for position: $73,840 - $88,000

The La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) offers a collegial work environment that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and creativity. Full-time employment at LJI includes a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision benefits, paid sick leave, and contributions to a retirement plan (403B). For the last decade, LJI has been ranked as one of the best places to work in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal. The Institute hosts world-renowned faculty and over 80 postdoctoral researchers with scientists from over 30 countries. LJI is located in the Science Research Park on the campus of UC San Diego, providing easy access to the San Diego life sciences community and all that the area has to offer.

LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.

La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.