Director, Internal and Executive Communications

Director Of Internal And Executive Communications

The Director of Internal and Executive Communications is a key role within the Corporate Communications team, as part of Corporate Affairs. This role will lead the strategy and execution of internal communications across Otsuka during a period of dynamic transformation, and is responsible for ensuring leaders communicate with clarity, credibility, and consistency, while employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with company priorities. Operating within a highly matrixed environment, the Director will serve as a trusted partner to senior leaders and a central integrator across functions – translating complex, rapidly changing information into clear, actionable communications delivered through the right internal channels at the right time.
Key Responsibilities

Internal Communications Strategy & Leadership
Develop and lead a comprehensive internal communications strategy that supports business priorities, organizational change, and company culture.
Ensure consistent messaging and narrative alignment across all internal touchpoints, including leader communications, company-wide updates, the Vine (Otsuka's intranet platform), all-employee chats, and departmental town halls.
Anticipate communication needs in an agile, fast-changing environment and proactively develop plans to support evolving priorities.
Executive & Leader Communications
Partner closely with functional leaders to strengthen credibility, clarity, and authenticity in their communications.
Serve as a strategic advisor to executives and people leaders on messaging, tone, timing, and channel selection.
Draft, edit, and oversee high-impact communications such as leadership emails, town halls, scripts, FAQs, talking points, in partnership with the office of the CEO and change communications.
Support leaders through periods of transformation, growth, and uncertainty with thoughtful, empathetic communication approaches.
Platform Management & Channel Oversight
Own the strategy, governance, and ongoing management of internal communications platforms (e.g., intranet, collaboration tools, newsletters, internal channels).
Ensure platforms are user-centered, effective, and aligned with how Otsuka-people consume information.
Optimize best practices, standards, and governance for content creation, publishing, and measurement across channels.
Partner with Otsuka IT, People and Business Services, other stakeholders to continuously evolve internal platforms and tools.
Matrixed Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Support the team's positioning as a business partner to leadership, helping transition perception from service-based execution towards strategic counsel.
Act as a central connector across Corporate Communications and business functions to align messaging and timing.
Navigate a matrixed environment, balancing enterprise priorities with functional needs.
Provide guidance, oversight, and editorial review for internal communications developed across the organization.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Define and track success metrics for internal communications, using insights to refine strategy and execution.
Gather employee feedback and sentiment to inform messaging and channel effectiveness.
Synthesize learnings and offer "front lines" perspectives back to key stakeholders.
Stay current on internal communications best practices, tools, and trends, particularly within healthcare and regulated environments.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field. 10-12+ years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, or related disciplines; healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences experience preferred. Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and supporting executive communications. Proven ability to manage communications during change, ambiguity, and organizational evolution. Experience managing internal communications platforms and establishing governance models. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a strong sense of judgment and attention to detail. Comfort operating in regulated environments and partnering with Legal, HR, and Compliance. Strong organizational, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
Key Competencies

Executive presence and sound judgment
Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Change and transformation communications
Stakeholder management in matrixed environments
Message discipline and editorial rigor
Empathy, clarity, and credibility in leadership communications
Competencies
Accountability for Results
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
Patient & Customer Centricity
Impactful Communication
Respectful Collaboration
Empowered Development