Director, AI Communications Strategy

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $173,200 - $272,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

At our Company, we use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world – that is our purpose. The Director, AI Communications Strategy, will be responsible for the strategic direction of AI communications, shaping how our Company's AI, GenAI and agentic initiatives across research, commercial, manufacturing, talent and more are communicated to internal and external audiences. The ideal candidate is a strategic communications leader who can translate complex AI initiatives into clear, credible, human-centered stories that resonate with employees, leaders, external audiences and key stakeholders—and help drive adoption and cultural change internally. Responsibilities will include defining and operationalizing the overarching communication strategy and narrative; leading internal and external storytelling, including executive communications and thought leadership; and ensuring consistent, high-performing communications on all channels. This role will help strengthen our company’s reputation in and build enterprise-wide understanding of—and engagement with—AI. This candidate will work collaboratively with peers in Global Communications, and in strong partnership with cross-functional teams including but not limited to Strategy, IT, Change Management, Talent, as well as Learning and Development, to align priorities and ensure cohesive communications planning and execution. This individual will report to the Executive Director, IT Strategic Communications, and will be part of the Global Employee and Executive Communications team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required
• Minimum 8-10 years of communication experience in external, corporate, executive and change communications, as well as employee engagement
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience and/or successfully leading complex, matrixed teams
• Creative and bold (yet balanced) thinker; not afraid to think outside the box and has demonstrated ability to execute and bring big ideas to life
• Strong fluency and use of GenAI in their day-to-day work, including reimagining communications activities and/or processes leveraging AI and agents
• Proven experience confidently interacting with and counseling corporate executives and key internal partners with best-in-class communication practices, ensuring messaging is consistent across the organization
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including success managing major projects and enterprise-wide initiatives
• Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex topics (e.g., AI, digital, data) into clear, engaging content for a range of audiences and channels (e.g., media, .com, social, intranet)
• Strong writing, editing and communications skills in multiple media, including speeches, email, video scripts, editorial and social content
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Organized with high attention to detail
• Exceptional business acumen with agility in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive with ability to “see” around corners and anticipate needs of our executives
• Ability to bring outside-in thinking and share best practices with the team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Nice To Haves

• Experience in employee and internal communications, change communications, public relations, external engagement and corporate reputation
• Experience in healthcare industry, including large Fortune 500 companies
• Experience in AI communications strategy and engagement
• Experience at a PR agency or equivalent welcome

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the overarching AI communications strategy and narrative for internal and external audiences, aligned with our company’s strategic priorities
• Ensure consistent, high-impact messaging frameworks of AI initiatives—adaptable and fit for purpose for multiple channels and stakeholders
• Serve as a trusted partner with strong ways of working to leaders and enterprise communications partners on AI communications, messaging and engagement opportunities
• Set measurable and achievable goals for execution of internal, external and executive communication strategies and ensure progress is tracked, reported and value is evidenced
• Leverage internal and external insights to inform overall AI communication strategy
• Provide crisis and issues management support as needed
• Manage budget, resources and agency partners as applicable
• Oversee development and execution of external engagement plans, including media interviews, speaking opportunities and industry positioning
• Prepare leaders for opportunities, including development of briefing materials and messaging, media training, on-site support, etc.
• Set direction for and implement internal storytelling strategy and priorities that motivate and inspire colleagues to drive awareness, understanding and adoption of AI, as well as feel pride in our company’s AI journey
• Develop and maintain communications templates, toolkits and GenAI and agentic enablement resources for communicators and leaders
• Support the implementation of change communications, as needed
• Partner with Talent and AI learning teams to promote people development and upskilling—spotlighting learning pathways, key resources and communities of practice
• Oversee content strategy, including editorial direction, content calendar and multi-channel distribution in partnership with content and digital teams to ensure timely, coordinated publishing
• Create clear and inspirational content related to key engagement initiatives; may include but not limited to written, video, digital and visual assets

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director