Principal Manager, Internal Communications

Working Model (hybrid, remote, fully onsite): Hybrid (Wed anchor day, the other two onsite days are negotable)Working days: Monday through Friday (ocassional weekend in the rare event of a need)Working hours (e.G. 8 AM to 4 PM PT, 9 AM to 5 PM, etc.): Standard eight hour shoftInterview Format (e.G. One round, two rounds, and length of interviews [30, 45, 60, 90 minutes]): Two Rounds (1. Reporting Manger [45 minutes], 2. Panel [60 minutes] - Task for panel interview: Case Study/Writing Excercise)Travel Requirement: One week in Monterey, CA for a team meetingAs Principal Manager, Internal Communications within Research and Early Development (gRED), you will join the Research Communications team on a 12-month contract to help establish the foundational internal communications infrastructure that enables our Research organization to communicate with greater consistency, clarity, and impact.This role is ideal for a senior communications professional who thrives in building from the ground up. You will partner with Research leaders to create scalable communications frameworks, tools, governance, and approaches that strengthen how we communicate across departments and engage employees. Alongside this strategic work, you will step into key communications priorities leading employee-focused programs, executive communications, and high-profile events that are critical to the Research organization.Success in this role requires someone who can quickly build trusted relationships, navigate complexity, and seamlessly balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery. Experience supporting organizations through change and transformation will be highly valuable, as Research continues to evolve to meet scientific and business priorities.This position reports to the Senior Director, Head of Internal Communications for gRED.The OpportunityDuring this 12-month engagement, you will: Design and establish foundational internal communications infrastructure for Research departments, including communication frameworks, planning processes, governance, templates, and best practices that enable leaders and teams to communicate more effectively.Partner with senior leaders to develop communication strategies that bring clarity to complex business priorities and strengthen employee understanding and engagement.Create repeatable communications approaches that improve consistency across the Research organization while allowing flexibility for departmental needs. Lead executive communications, including leadership messaging, narratives, town halls, and communications for high-impact organizational moments.Step in to lead and deliver strategic employee-focused programs and experiences, including Research-wide meetings, leadership forums, engagement initiatives, and other high-visibility events.Design communication plans that support organizational priorities, scientific milestones, and employee engagement initiatives from strategy through execution. Gather and interpret employee feedback and engagement insights, translating them into actionable recommendations for leaders.Support communications related to organizational evolution and change initiatives, helping leaders communicate with transparency, empathy, and confidence.Introduce modern communications practices and continuously improve effectiveness through measurement, feedback, and data-driven insights. Who You AreRequired QualificationsBA/BS required.10+ years of experience in internal communications within complex, matrixed organizations.Significant experience supporting Research, scientific, or technical organizations within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related industries.Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, executive communications, and employee engagement. Experience designing communications frameworks, operating models, or foundational communications capabilities that enable organizations to communicate more effectively.Proven ability to quickly establish credibility and influence senior leaders.Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously. Comfortable operating at both strategic and execution levels in a fast-paced, evolving environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting organizational change, transformation, or business evolution through effective communications.Advanced degree or background in life sciences or a related field. Experience across both internal and external communications.Consulting or advisory experience supporting senior executives.Experience designing large-scale employee engagement programs, leadership events, or internal conferences.