Employee Engagement and Internal Communications Director

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner.

The Employee Engagement and Internal Communications Director is responsible for executing internal communications strategies and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen connection, clarity, and culture across the organization. This role ensures employees are informed, engaged, and connected to the company’s mission, values, and strategic priorities through clear, compelling, and consistent communication.

Essential Functions

Execute internal communications strategies across functions and locations

Develop and manage integrated communications plans to include culture priorities, company strategy and performance

Oversee internal content creation and channel management

Design and implement engagement programs and initiatives

Support executive communications and leadership messaging

Manage surveys, feedback tools, and engagement data

Partner with HR and Corporate Communications to support any immediate or planned needs

Drive cross-functional coordination and project execution

Co‑manage vendors, budgets (execution level), and tools

Support engagement‑related measurement efforts and continuous improvement initiatives

Co‑lead employee‑facing aspects of corporate social responsibility and volunteer programs

Support change communications

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in liberal arts/English, Communications, or related discipline preferred

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, biotech or pharmaceutical industry preferred

Experience managing internal communications and employee engagement

Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications and engagement strategies that support business objectives and culture

Experience partnering with cross‑functional stakeholders

Experience using data and employee insights to inform plans and decision making

Experience in highly regulated, healthcare, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments preferred

Key Core Competencies/Knowledge and Skills

Operational expertise in internal communications and employee engagement

Exceptional written, verbal, and storytelling skills across multiple communication formats

Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive information

Analytical mindset with experience translating engagement data into action

Project management and prioritization skills across multiple concurrent initiatives

Collaborative style with strong relationship‑building abilities

Travel Requirements

Primarily remote role with periodic on‑site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Mental & Physical Requirements

Fast‑paced environment handling multiple demands; must exercise appropriate judgment as needed

Requires a high level of initiative and independence

Excellent written and oral communication skills required

Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time

Salary and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $185,800.00 – $232,200.00. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes merit‑based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time‑off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut‑down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

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