Principal Manager, Internal Communications

Aquent is partnering with a major healthcare and biotechnology client to source a Principal Manager of Internal Communications for a 12-month temporary opportunity. In this strategic role, you will join the Research Communications team to help establish the foundational internal communications infrastructure that enables the Research organization to communicate with greater consistency, clarity, and impact.

This position is ideal for a senior communications professional who thrives on building systems from the ground up. You will partner with Research leaders to create scalable frameworks, governance, and tools while leading key priorities including executive communications, employee engagement programs, and high-profile organizational events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build Foundational Infrastructure: Design and establish internal communications frameworks, planning processes, governance, templates, and best practices to enable leaders and teams across Research departments to communicate effectively.
• Executive & Strategic Communications: Partner with senior leaders to craft narratives, leadership messaging, and strategic communication plans that clarify complex business priorities and scientific milestones.
• Event & Program Leadership: Step in to lead high-impact employee experiences and events, including Research-wide meetings, leadership forums, town halls, and internal engagement initiatives.
• Standardize Operating Models: Develop repeatable communications approaches that improve consistency across the broader organization while maintaining flexibility for departmental needs.
• Change & Transformation Support: Design communications supporting organizational evolution, helping leaders navigate change with transparency, empathy, and confidence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner across broader enterprise teams to align communications with overarching organizational priorities.
• Insights & Continuous Improvement: Gather employee feedback and engagement metrics, translating data into actionable recommendations to modernize and improve communication effectiveness.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: 10+ years of internal communications experience within complex, matrixed environments.
• Industry Expertise: Significant experience supporting Research, scientific, or technical organizations within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related life sciences industries.
• Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required; an advanced degree or background in life sciences is preferred.
• Strategic Capability: Proven track record in executive communications, employee engagement, and designing foundational communications frameworks or operating models.
• Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to quickly build trust, establish credibility, and advise senior executives in a fast-paced environment.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously, balancing high-level strategy with hands-on execution.
• Nice-to-Haves: Experience supporting organizational change/transformation, consulting background, experience across both internal and external communications, or a history of managing large-scale internal conferences.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $81.86 to $90.95 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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