Executive Director, Enterprise & People Communications

Bristol Myers Squibb•Princeton, NJ

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director, Enterprise & People Communications, to lead an integrated team responsible for shaping and amplifying the company's internal voice. This senior leadership role serves as the primary communications partner to the EVP, Chief People Officer, and is accountable for defining and executing BMS's enterprise narrative strategy — ensuring colleagues across the organization understand who we are, what we stand for, and where we are going. This leader will oversee a combined, high-performing team responsible for enterprise messaging strategy, colleague communications, culture programs, and company-wide strategic initiatives. The role requires a collaborative, enterprise-minded leader who can bridge internal and external communications landscapes to ensure consistency, clarity, and impact across every touchpoint.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
15+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, internal communications, or related fields, with significant experience in a large, complex, matrixed organization
5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams and leading enterprise-level communications strategies
Demonstrated experience developing and executing enterprise narrative and messaging frameworks that drive organizational alignment
Proven track record of building and delivering large-scale, multi-channel internal communications programs
Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to advise and influence C-suite and senior leadership
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives
Experience working collaboratively across communications, marketing, and policy functions
Strong business acumen with the ability to connect communications strategy to business outcomes

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, master’s in communications, or related field)
Experience in the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, or healthcare industry
Experience leading communications through organizational change, transformation, or integration
Familiarity with global communications environments and diverse colleague audiences
Experience with culture-building programs and employee engagement strategies

Responsibilities

Serve as the chief architect of BMS's internal enterprise narrative, defining the strategic story told to colleagues about the company's vision, direction, purpose, and values
Translate complex business strategies, organizational changes, and leadership priorities into compelling, clear, and consistent messages for all colleague audiences
Establish a cohesive and integrated enterprise messaging framework that supports organizational alignment and drives colleagues understanding and engagement
Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of all enterprise-wide internal communications, ensuring messaging is timely, relevant, and impactful across all channels and platforms
Oversee development of communications that reach colleagues at all levels of the organization, including executive communications on behalf of the Chief People Officer and other senior leaders
Drive continuous improvement of internal communications channels, tools, and platforms to enhance colleague experience and information accessibility
Champion and lead enterprise-wide culture programs and initiatives that reinforce BMS's values, foster inclusion, and deepen colleague connection to the company's mission
Partner with People leadership to develop and communicate culture strategies that support organizational transformation and employee engagement
Measure and assess the effectiveness of culture communications and initiatives, using data and colleague insights to inform future strategies.
Work closely with cross-functional partners to ensure that enterprise reputation measures, indicators, and insights are fully understood and reflected in the overall narrative delivered to colleagues.
Serve as the internal steward of BMS's reputation story, translating external reputation data, brand perception, and stakeholder sentiment into meaningful, relevant messaging that keeps colleagues informed and connected to how the company is perceived and positioned in the world.
Ensure that internal communications strategies are continuously informed by and aligned with BMS's broader reputation management efforts, so that colleagues hear a consistent and coherent story — from the inside out.
Monitor and assess shifts in enterprise reputation, proactively adjusting internal narratives as needed to reflect evolving priorities, challenges, or opportunities.
Help foster a culture of reputation awareness among colleagues, reinforcing the understanding that every BMS employee plays a role in upholding and advancing the company's reputation.
Lead communications strategy and execution for high-profile, enterprise-wide strategic programs (e.g., Brain Health initiatives, FIFA partnerships, and similar company-wide endeavors)
Serve as a trusted communications advisor for cross-functional business initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and cohesive colleague experiences
Develop thought leadership and storytelling frameworks that elevate BMS's key strategic priorities among internal audiences
Work closely and collaboratively with Media Relations, Brand Marketing, and Policy teams to ensure internal messaging is fully aligned with external communications and the company's public positioning
Serve as a key integration point across Communications, People, and Business functions to ensure one consistent, unified BMS voice
Partner with senior leaders across the enterprise to counsel on messaging strategy, communication approaches, and colleague engagement best practices
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to ensure communications strategies are informed by business priorities and organizational needs
Lead, inspire, and develop an integrated, high-performing team combining enterprise strategy and people communications capabilities
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture with a strong commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous learning
Set clear team goals, priorities, and performance expectations; provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities
Manage team resources, budgets, and agency/vendor relationships to optimize delivery and impact

Benefits

wellbeing support
retirement and financial protection benefits
insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability)
Flexible Time Off (FTO)
11 paid company holidays each year
160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires
3 optional holidays
paid sick leave
up to two paid volunteer days per year
summer hours flexibility
leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs
annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day