Executive Director, Enterprise & People Communications

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director, Enterprise & People Communications, to lead an integrated team responsible for shaping and amplifying the company's internal voice. This senior leadership role serves as the primary communications partner to the EVP, Chief People Officer, and is accountable for defining and executing BMS's enterprise narrative strategy — ensuring colleagues across the organization understand who we are, what we stand for, and where we are going.

This leader will oversee a combined, high-performing team responsible for enterprise messaging strategy, colleague communications, culture programs, and company-wide strategic initiatives. The role requires a collaborative, enterprise-minded leader who can bridge internal and external communications landscapes to ensure consistency, clarity, and impact across every touchpoint.

Enterprise Narrative & Messaging Strategy

• Serve as the chief architect of BMS's internal enterprise narrative, defining the strategic story told to colleagues about the company's vision, direction, purpose, and values
• Translate complex business strategies, organizational changes, and leadership priorities into compelling, clear, and consistent messages for all colleague audiences
• Establish a cohesive and integrated enterprise messaging framework that supports organizational alignment and drives colleagues understanding and engagement

Colleague Communications

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of all enterprise-wide internal communications, ensuring messaging is timely, relevant, and impactful across all channels and platforms
• Oversee development of communications that reach colleagues at all levels of the organization, including executive communications on behalf of the Chief People Officer and other senior leaders
• Drive continuous improvement of internal communications channels, tools, and platforms to enhance colleague experience and information accessibility

Culture Initiatives

• Champion and lead enterprise-wide culture programs and initiatives that reinforce BMS's values, foster inclusion, and deepen colleague connection to the company's mission
• Partner with People leadership to develop and communicate culture strategies that support organizational transformation and employee engagement
• Measure and assess the effectiveness of culture communications and initiatives, using data and colleague insights to inform future strategies.

Reputation Management & Narrative Integration

• Work closely with cross-functional partners to ensure that enterprise reputation measures, indicators, and insights are fully understood and reflected in the overall narrative delivered to colleagues.
• Serve as the internal steward of BMS's reputation story, translating external reputation data, brand perception, and stakeholder sentiment into meaningful, relevant messaging that keeps colleagues informed and connected to how the company is perceived and positioned in the world.
• Ensure that internal communications strategies are continuously informed by and aligned with BMS's broader reputation management efforts, so that colleagues hear a consistent and coherent story — from the inside out.
• Monitor and assess shifts in enterprise reputation, proactively adjusting internal narratives as needed to reflect evolving priorities, challenges, or opportunities.
• Help foster a culture of reputation awareness among colleagues, reinforcing the understanding that every BMS employee plays a role in upholding and advancing the company's reputation.

Strategic Enterprise Initiatives

• Lead communications strategy and execution for high-profile, enterprise-wide strategic programs (e.g., Brain Health initiatives, FIFA partnerships, and similar company-wide endeavors)
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor for cross-functional business initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and cohesive colleague experiences
• Develop thought leadership and storytelling frameworks that elevate BMS's key strategic priorities among internal audiences

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Alignment

• Work closely and collaboratively with Media Relations, Brand Marketing, and Policy teams to ensure internal messaging is fully aligned with external communications and the company's public positioning
• Serve as a key integration point across Communications, People, and Business functions to ensure one consistent, unified BMS voice
• Partner with senior leaders across the enterprise to counsel on messaging strategy, communication approaches, and colleague engagement best practices
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to ensure communications strategies are informed by business priorities and organizational needs

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, inspire, and develop an integrated, high-performing team combining enterprise strategy and people communications capabilities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture with a strong commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous learning
• Set clear team goals, priorities, and performance expectations; provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities
• Manage team resources, budgets, and agency/vendor relationships to optimize delivery and impact

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, internal communications, or related fields, with significant experience in a large, complex, matrixed organization
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams and leading enterprise-level communications strategies
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing enterprise narrative and messaging frameworks that drive organizational alignment
• Proven track record of building and delivering large-scale, multi-channel internal communications programs
• Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to advise and influence C-suite and senior leadership
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives
• Experience working collaboratively across communications, marketing, and policy functions
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect communications strategy to business outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, master’s in communications, or related field)
• Experience in the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, or healthcare industry
• Experience leading communications through organizational change, transformation, or integration
• Familiarity with global communications environments and diverse colleague audiences
• Experience with culture-building programs and employee engagement strategies