Director of Marketing & Communications

Tampa, FL | Full-Time | Onsite

Company Overview

Detect-ION is a Tampa-based deep-tech startup developing field-deployable molecular diagnostics and next-generation sensing platforms powered by advanced mass spectrometry. Our technologies support applications across health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) awareness, and national security.

Founded in 2021, Detect-ION operates at the intersection of organic chemistry, biochemistry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, vacuum engineering, data analytics, and AI/ML. Backed by multiple federal R&D awards (DARPA, IARPA, DTRA), we are advancing disruptive sensing capabilities while expanding into commercial and clinical markets.

We are entering a critical commercialization phase and seeking a marketing leader to help shape and scale our external presence.

Position Overview

Detect-ION is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Marketing & Communications to lead and execute our integrated marketing efforts. This role will own brand positioning, technical communications, digital strategy, and commercialization messaging across government, biomedical, and emerging commercial markets. This is a unique opportunity to own and shape the company’s marketing vision end-to-end — from brand positioning and technical communications.

Reporting directly to the Founder/CEO, this individual will work closely with scientists, engineers, clinical collaborators, and business leadership to translate complex technical capabilities into compelling market narratives.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in deep-tech environments and enjoys building systems, infrastructure, and strategy from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Marketing & Brand Leadership

o Lead the execution of Detect-ION’s integrated marketing and communications strategy.

o Maintain and evolve the company’s brand architecture, messaging framework, and visual identity.

o Position highly technical capabilities for government, investor, clinical, and commercial audiences.

· Commercialization & Growth Infrastructure

o Oversee website strategy, content roadmap, and digital presence.

o Manage and optimize CRM and lead pipeline infrastructure to support business development.

o Develop go-to-market collateral, product messaging, and commercialization materials.

o Collaborate with engineering and product teams to support UI/UX design, ensuring brand consistency and a user-centered experience across the diagnostic platform.

· Technical Communications & Business Development Support

o Collaborate with scientific and engineering teams to develop white papers, proposals, investor decks, press materials, and conference content.

o Conduct market research to evaluate commercial expansion opportunities.

o Support proposal development and strategic communications for government and commercial stakeholders.

· Clinical & Scientific Collaboration

o Partner with clinical and technical teams to design and execute data-driven, multi-channel marketing campaigns for IRB-approved studies, leveraging paid media, digital advertising, content strategy, referral partnerships, and marketing automation to increase study visibility, optimize participant acquisition, and drive qualified enrollment.

· External Representation & Vendor Management

o Represent Detect-ION at industry conferences and trade shows.

o Manage external agencies, creative vendors, and PR resources.

o Strengthen brand visibility among early adopters, partners, and investors.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Strategic Communications, Integrated Marketing, Public Health or related field.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in marketing, technical communications, or commercialization; prior experience in deep-tech, biomedical, defense, or other highly technical sectors preferred.
  • Strong writing and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific or engineering concepts into strategic messaging.
  • Experience managing digital strategy and content development.
  • Experience leading public relations and earned media initiatives, including developing media strategy, pitching technical stories to targeted outlets, securing industry and trade coverage, and building brand credibility across government, clinical, and commercial audiences.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, including graphic design, photo editing, and basic video editing capabilities to support brand and content development.
  • Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot), CMS/website management systems, email marketing and survey tools, and marketing automation software.
  • Demonstrated ability to implement workflow automations, manage lead pipelines, and leverage generative AI tools to increase efficiency and scale marketing operations.
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in molecular diagnostics, biomedical device development, or regulated environments.
  • Familiarity with FDA regulatory pathways and/or clinical research communications.
  • Experience supporting organizations with government R&D contracts (DARPA, IARPA, DTRA, etc.).
  • Experience building marketing infrastructure in an early-stage or scaling startup.

Why Join Detect-ION

  • Work at the forefront of next-generation molecular diagnostics and sensing technology.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts solving high-impact national and global challenges.
  • Play a central role in commercialization and growth during a pivotal stage of company expansion.
  • Build and shape a marketing function with meaningful strategic influence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

  • Detect-ION is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Background Check

  • Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be subject to a background check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Marketing: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

  • Tampa, FL 33625 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Tampa, FL 33625: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/tampa-fl-jobs-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,8_IC1154429_KO9,13.htm?fromAge=1