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. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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.
Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Communications and Employee Engagement, this role serves as a key partner to cross-functional teams, Human Resources, and enterprise leadership to bring the employee experience and culture to life. The Director translates strategic direction into impactful programs, content, and experiences that enhance employee understanding, engagement, and alignment.

Essential Functions Required for Job

• 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 (general and technical):

• 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 is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. 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.

The base salary range for this role is

Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for 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.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. 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.

Travel Requirements:

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

Drug Screening Requirements
Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

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; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for 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.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.