Principal Manager, Internal Communications - Research

Roche•South San Francisco, CA

About The Position

As Principal Manager, Internal Communications within Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), you will operate at the heart of the Research function as a senior strategic advisor and communications leader, supporting evolving priorities across a dynamic, science-driven organization. This role is designed for a highly experienced internal communicator who can navigate complexity, influence senior leaders, and shape narratives across the function. You will play a critical role in strengthening organizational clarity, addressing employee sentiment, and driving engagement across the Research function. This is not a traditional delivery role. You will be expected to diagnose organizational dynamics, anticipate engagement risks, and partner with leaders to address complex challenges, ensuring that communication is not only informative, but catalytic in building trust, alignment, and performance. You will work directly with senior leaders to define and deliver integrated communication strategies that connect scientific ambition with organizational direction, while reinforcing the role of Research within Genentech and Roche. Alongside this, you will lead the execution of high-impact communications that bring these strategies to life across channels and experiences.

Requirements

BA/BS required
10+ years of experience in internal communications within complex, matrixed organizations
Strong experience supporting Research or scientific organizations within biotech or pharma
Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, executive communications, and change communications
Proven ability to partner credibly with and influence senior leaders, including navigating sensitive or ambiguous situations
Deep experience in employee engagement, organizational narrative development, and issues management
Ability to operate seamlessly between strategy and execution, with strong judgment and attention to impact
Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments with a high degree of complexity

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or background in life sciences or related field
Experience leading communications during transformation or cultural change initiatives
Experience across both internal and external communications
Consulting or advisory experience supporting senior executives

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders across the Research function, shaping communications that address complex business priorities and employee sentiment.
Lead the development of integrated, forward-looking communication strategies that strengthen alignment, accelerate scientific progress, and reinforce the value of Research within the broader enterprise.
Provide executive communications support to Research leaders, including narrative development, leadership messaging, town halls, and high-stakes internal moments, ensuring clarity, authenticity, and impact.
Actively assess and interpret employee sentiment and engagement signals, translating insights into targeted communication interventions and leadership actions.
Design and deliver end-to-end communication plans, from strategy through execution, including leadership communications, internal campaigns, digital content, and large-scale employee engagement initiatives.
Shape and deliver high-impact internal events and leadership forums, including large-scale functional conferences and Research-wide gatherings, ensuring they are strategically aligned, content-driven, and deliver measurable engagement outcomes.
Design and orchestrate executive town halls and employee engagement moments, creating compelling narratives, enabling meaningful dialogue, and equipping leaders to communicate with clarity and confidence.
Collaborate across gRED, Genentech, and Roche to ensure alignment of messaging, sequencing, and strategic narrative, particularly where Research priorities intersect with enterprise transformation.
Lead and contribute to gRED- and enterprise-wide initiatives, stepping in on critical, high-visibility communication projects as needed.
Define success through clear metrics and continuous feedback loops, using data and insights to refine strategies and improve effectiveness.
Champion modern, innovative communication approaches, elevating the impact of internal communications across the Research function.