Senior Manager

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

QuidelOrtho is looking for a sharp, emotionally intelligent, and highly driven communications leader to join our Global Marketing and Corporate Communications team. This position is ideal for a high-judgement, critical thinker who thrives at the intersection of internal and external communications, with an equal passion for strategic storytelling, people leadership, executive engagement, and media savvy.

As the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, you will roll up your sleeves to be a trusted partner to senior leaders, managing high-profile initiatives and influencing how our company shows up internally, in the media, and across the industry. This role will shape messaging, elevate our brand, protect our reputation, and help foster a connected and inspired culture. You’ll own global communications campaigns, media and the implementation of PR strategy, change and transformation communications, executive visibility, and issues/crisis management. The ideal candidate is someone who can not only inspire but create a plan and bring the vision to life.

This position will be working hybrid out of our San Diego, CA location (1-2 days onsite, as needed).

The Responsibilities

• Lead company-wide communications across key internal channels: intranet, executive messaging, global town halls, internal campaigns, and culture initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business partners, driving consistency and clarity of internal communications across functions and regions.
• Partner with HR to support DEI, employee engagement, and culture-building efforts.
• Use data and feedback to continually evolve internal comms strategy, tools, and performance measurement.
• Own the company’s global external reputation and PR strategy, including media relations, proactive storytelling, and executive visibility.
• Drive earned media coverage and build strong relationships with key media outlets—both trade and general business.
• Craft and distribute press releases, media alerts, pitches, and talking points; develop compelling content for digital, print, and broadcast channels.
• In collaboration with the crisis management team, partner on external communications during crises and reputation-sensitive issues.
• Identify and elevate executive thought leadership opportunities, including interviews, speaking engagements, contributed content and our podcast content strategy.
• Provide media training and message development support for executives and spokespeople.
• Manage the development of speeches, contributed articles, video scripts, and long-form blog content.
• Develop integrated campaigns that align internal and external narratives across business units, functions, and global regions.
• Leverage analytics, media monitoring tools, and platforms (Salesforce, SharePoint, Teams, etc.) to drive insight-driven decisions and demonstrate ROI.
• Stay current with emerging communication trends, platforms, and best practices in healthcare, diagnostics and corporate storytelling.
• Partner cross-functionally with marketing, commercial, medical affairs, regulatory, and community teams to maintain alignment and execution excellence.
• Represent corporate communications in cross-functional working groups and at industry associations where appropriate.
• The ability to look at a situation and know what needs to be done without having to be asked or told.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate communications, PR, or a related field—preferably in healthcare, life sciences, diagnostics, or medical devices.
• Proven success managing high-stakes executive communications, public relations, and employee communications in a global or matrixed environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual storytelling skills.
• Strong project management, decision-making, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Calm, collaborative, and confident under pressure; adaptable and solution-focused.
• Experience managing external vendors, budgets, as well as building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
• Less than 10% travel required.
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Preferred:

• Experience in fast-paced, high-growth or transformation environments.
• Background in proactive media relations and crisis communication.
• Data-driven and digitally fluent with internal communications and PR platforms.

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

• Across all levels of the organization

External Partners:

• Vendors and customers

The Work Environment

No strenuous physical activity, though occasional light lifting of files and related materials is required. 30% of time in meetings, working with team, or talking on the phone, 70% of the time at the desk on computer, doing analytical work. Minimal travel required. Travel includes airplane, automobile travel and overnight hotel.

Physical Demands

No strenuous physical activity, though occasional light lifting of files and related materials is required.

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $165,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].