Head of Communications

# 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 are looking for a Head of Communications who can craft narrative as strategy, build trust across diverse audiences, and elevate a new nonprofit 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 Head 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 brand narrative** — Clarify our mission, values, and voice as we emerge into our next chapter through progressive PR channels, not just traditional.
– **Build and lead communications strategy** across all external channels to execute the PR strategy with the organization and the CEO/Co‑Founder.
– **Lead key PR relationships** with partners and collaborators.
– **Bridge organizational understanding** between kit memberships, research, philanthropy, and public understanding.
– **Build, manage, and mentor a communications team** including PR agency partners.
– **Support internal communications** to ensure alignment, morale, and clarity across our 200‑person organization.
– **Establish metrics** to evaluate the success and impact of communications efforts.

# What You’ll Bring

– **Seasoned communications leadership** (15+ years), with deep relationships across key media platforms, ideally spanning tech and nonprofit or research sectors.
– **Storytelling expertise** — able to distill complexity into clarity and ambiguity into action.
– **Audience‑driven communication** with the ability to shift tone, channel, and content as needed.
– **Builder mindset** — energized by change and unafraid to roll up your sleeves.
– **Experience in government affairs, media strategy, executive comms, and crisis management**.
– **Mission‑driven values** with a deep commitment to 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 provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to 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 [email protected]. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Please note: 23andMe does not accept agency resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

# 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

Apply here