Associate Director, R&D Internal Communications

Role Summary

As Associate Director, R&D Internal Communications, you will lead the strategy and execution of internal communications that connect, inform, and align employees across Research & Development (R&D). You will translate complex science into clear narratives and act as a trusted advisor to R&D leaders, helping teams engage with change and celebrate scientific excellence. You will partner with Enterprise Internal Communications, Human Resources, and R&D leadership, and report to the Senior Director and Head of R&D Communications as part of the Corporate Communications team. This role is based in Sleepy Hollow, NY with a minimum of four days onsite per week.

Responsibilities

• Serving as a strategic communications advisor and trusted partner to R&D senior leaders.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive internal communications strategy aligned to R&D and enterprise goals with clear governance, channel mix, and editorial standards.
• Designing and delivering communications for change and transformation initiatives, including clear case-for-change narratives, leader toolkits, and cascade materials for managers.
• Leading the planning and content for R&D forums and channels (e.g., town halls, newsletters), continuously measuring effectiveness and optimizing for reach, clarity and engagement.
• Crafting executive messaging, talking points, and presentations for high-visibility internal events.
• Translating complex scientific topics into engaging content tailored to diverse audiences (research scientists, physician-scientists, and regulatory, medical affairs, and operational teams).
• Overseeing R&D content strategy for the company intranet to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible information.
• Supporting initiatives that reinforce R&D culture, scientific excellence, collaboration, inclusion and employee recognition in partnership with Human Resources and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Managing agency partners and/or consultants, ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and timelines.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven excellence in strategic internal communications, with extensive change and transformation experience.
• Experience within biopharma or life sciences industries (Preferred).
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, resonant narratives and visuals tailored to diverse internal audiences.
• Strong executive presence and sound judgment, confidently advising senior leaders and navigating sensitive or ambiguous situations.
• Deep experience in designing and delivering communications for change and transformation initiatives.
• Excellent writing and editing, with strong storytelling skills and a keen eye for accuracy, clarity and tone.
• Results-oriented and collaborative, skilled at influencing, building consensus, and fostering trusted relationships across levels and functions.
• Thrives in a fast-growing, ambiguous environment and can manage multiple priorities simultaneously with focus and agility.
• Manages agencies and/or vendors effectively, integrating workstreams to deliver cohesive, high-quality outcomes.

Skills

• Strategic communications planning and governance
• Change management communications
• Executive messaging and presentation development
• Content strategy and intranet/content management
• Storytelling, writing, and editing
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Agency/vendor management
• Measurement and analytics of communications effectiveness

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Required)