Director, AI Communications Strategy

Director, AI Communications Strategy

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 stakeholdersand 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 ofand engagement withAI.
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.
Scope of work and core responsibilities
Strategy and narrative leadership
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 initiativesadaptable 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
External storytelling and reputation building
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.
Internal engagement and change leadership
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 upskillingspotlighting learning pathways, key resources and communities of practice
Channel, content and performance management
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
Required minimum qualifications
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
Preferred qualifications
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
Location/Commute
This role is based at our Headquarters site in Rahway (NJ, USA)
We offer a Hybrid setup {combination of an in-office (3 days) & remote/offsite (2 days)}
This position cannot be 100% remote
Required Skills:
Business Acumen, Business Communications, Change Management Communication, Communication Management, Communications Planning, Communication Strategy Development, Communications Writing, Communication Tools, Content Development, Content Strategy, Corporate Brand Management, Crisis Communication Management, Crisis Management, Employee Engagement, Employee Engagement Programs, Employee Training Programs, Event Planning, IT Change Management, Media Interviews, Media Production, Media Relations, Multi-Management, Project Management, Public Relations (PR)
Preferred Skills: