Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

Overview

The Chief Communications and Marketing Officer ("CCMO") will serve as a critical member of JAX's Leadership Team (JLT), and act as a strategic leader responsible for shaping and amplifying The Jackson Laboratory's (JAX) voice and reputation across global audiences. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and Chief People Officer, the CCMO will ensure that communications is embedded as a transformative, enterprise-wide function - advancing JAX's mission, strengthening its brand, and driving engagement with the broader scientific community, partners, and donors.

As a key advisor to the President and Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership, the CCMO will position JAX as the indispensable authority on genetics and genomics, leveraging innovative strategies to expand public understanding and influence. This role leads a non-commercial marketing and communications team, focused on institutional visibility, thought leadership, and stakeholder trust. While the CCMO does not oversee the commercial marketing team, they will play a critical role in fostering strong collaboration and alignment with all teams that have communications and marketing responsibilities.

This ensures a unified enterprise voice, consistent messaging, and a cohesive brand experience across the organization.

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Brand & Reputation Management

• Elevates JAX's brand as the global gold standard in genetics and genomics research, education, and the development of the highest-quality integrated models - including in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches (mouse, cellular, and data-driven).
• Ensures consistent messaging and visual identity across all channels and audiences.
• Monitors and manages reputational risks, leveraging data-driven insights to inform decisions.

Digital Transformation & Engagement

• Oversees the evolution of JAX's digital presence, including website, social media, and emerging platforms.
• Drives innovation in digital storytelling, multimedia content, and interactive experiences.
• Uses analytics and audience insights to optimize engagement and measure impact.

Stakeholder & Public Relations

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with media, influencers, and key external stakeholders.
• Leads crisis communications planning and response.
• Develops strategies to expand donor engagement and partnerships through compelling narratives.

Leadership Training & Messaging Development

• Designs and implements a comprehensive communications coaching program for leadership, faculty, and key spokespeople.
• Trains organizational leaders to convey complex scientific and institutional narratives in clear, compelling, and accessible ways that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Ensures spokespeople are equipped to represent JAX confidently and consistently across media, events, and public forums.

Team Leadership & Development

• Builds strong relationships across the organization, fosters collaboration, and unites teams around JAX's strategic messaging pillars.
• Leads and inspires a high-performing communications team covering internal/external communications, media relations, brand and marketing, publications, and digital engagement.
• Aligns team structure and capabilities with evolving organizational needs.
• Fosters professional growth and a culture of creativity and accountability.

Opportunities & Expectations

Visionary communicator with a track record of elevating organizational reputation.

Skilled in leveraging data and technology to drive engagement and impact.

Collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a complex, matrixed organization, influencing across multiple functional areas

Proven success in building relationships and driving results in environments with multiple stakeholders and shared decision-making structures

Candidates should possess an outstanding record of professional experience, delivery and accomplishment and thrive in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and a higher purpose mission.

Ideal Experience

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or…