[Hiring] Global Media Relations Director @IonQ

Role Description

IonQ is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and high-energy Global Media Relations Director to lead our global media strategy and external narrative. As a key leader within the Global Marketing and Communications team, you will drive premium earned media, safeguard our brand reputation, and articulate IonQ’s technology and market leadership. This role demands a seasoned communicator who pairs deep top-tier media relationships with strong financial and technical communications expertise.

You must excel at translating complex quantum hardware, software, and scientific breakthroughs into compelling, digestible stories for global business, financial, and tech audiences—all without losing scientific integrity.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Top-Tier Earned Media: Lead proactive pitching across global business, financial, broadcast, deep-tech, and scientific media outlets to secure high-impact coverage.
• Agency Oversight: Work as a member of the Global Marketing & Communications leadership team to oversee the daily activities and results delivery of IonQ’s external agencies.
• Executive & SME Coaching: Serve as the primary communications partner for IonQ’s executive team, top scientists, and engineers. Develop custom briefing materials and conduct intensive media training for spokespeople.
• Thought Leadership: Proactively position internal subject matter experts for commentary, features, and key industry moments, working closely with the Global Head, Strategic Content, Insights & Market Intelligence.
• Technical Translation: Collaborate across GTM, Product, R&D, Applications; Social Media and Strategic Content, Insights & Market Intelligence teams globally to distill complex quantum concepts (computing, networking, sensing, security) into clear, engaging narratives.
• Media Collateral: Write and edit high-quality external materials, including press releases, pitch decks, media alerts, executive bios, FAQs, and messaging playbooks.
• Message Architecture: Own and maintain the central repository for core media messaging and talking points to ensure brand consistency across all external touchpoints.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Investor Relations, Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs and People teams to ensure all external communications adhere to regulatory standards and internal alignment.
• Crisis & Issues Management: Assist in developing crisis playbooks, protocol updates, and reactive messaging for regulatory, governance, or M&A-related events.
• Media Monitoring & Analytics: Partner with the Media Monitoring and Social Intelligence Specialist to track brand sentiment, share of voice, and competitor narratives, leveraging data to refine strategies.
• Industry Trendjacking: Actively monitor macro industry trends, tech policy, and market movements to insert IonQ into relevant news cycles.
• Operations: Maintain media distribution lists, editorial calendars, press kits, and collaborative tracking tools to streamline team workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a relevant scientific/technical field (e.g., Physics, Engineering).
• 8+ years in media relations or corporate communications, with 4+ years specifically in a deep-tech, scientific, or highly technical industry (e.g., Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Aerospace, AI, or Advanced Engineering).
• Proven portfolio of securing impactful earned media placements across top-tier financial (e.g., WSJ, FT, Bloomberg) and tech/trade publications.
• Exceptional ability to write with speed, precision, and clarity under tight deadlines, transforming abstract scientific data into clear business narratives.
• Extensive experience media-training C-suite executives and PhD-level Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology — including AI-powered tools for drafting, monitoring, and sentiment analysis — to increase team efficiency and sharpen strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Experience navigating late-stage, high-growth tech startups or publicly traded deep-tech companies.
• Working knowledge of financial media relations and regulatory compliance (e.g., SEC guidelines/Reg FD).
• Familiarity with media tools and PRM software (e.g., Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater, Brandwatch).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Matching 401(k).
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays.
• Parental/adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.