Director, Internal Communications

Position Summary

The Director, Internal Communications will report to the SVP, Human Resources, and work closely with the Office of the President to develop and implement internal communications strategies that align with the foundation’s mission and values of excellence, collaboration, stewardship, and respect. The position requires a proactive, strategic, and detail-oriented individual with excellent writing and influencing skills. The Director will manage the Internal Communications Manager.

This is a full-time position located at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. For more information, visit simonsfoundation.org/careers.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive internal communications strategy that advances the foundation’s mission and fosters employee engagement.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of internal communications across channels such as foundation updates, staff announcements, and messages from leadership.
• Work with leadership to identify opportunities to engage and inform employees and reach audiences with different perspectives.
• Serve as a strategic connector across the foundation’s different departments and units, ensuring alignment in messaging and making information accessible and relevant. Incorporate departmental needs into organizational planning.
• Monitor news and events within and/or impacting the foundation and prioritize topics to highlight for staff on internal channels.
• Foster and maintain relationships to cultivate an awareness of organizational culture and the diverse needs of staff across roles, functions, and locations.
• Support the Office of the President’s employee outreach, including crafting content and messaging and establishing a communications cadence.
• Partner with the HR team and leadership to plan and communicate relevant organization-wide changes, policies, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the HR team to create awareness and “market” offerings such as training, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives, benefits, and wellness programs.
• Plan and advise on staff feedback initiatives, such as surveys and focus groups, as needed.
• Manage high-level strategy for the foundation’s intranet, including content development and evaluating the potential for a new platform solution based on organization-wide needs.
• In partnership with Business IT, recommend new opportunities and technologies for internal communications.
• Maintain internal communications policies, coordinate with external communications teams on branding guidelines, and provide editorial oversight of internal channels.
• Amplify the foundation’s culture and values, collaborating with the HR team on opportunities to embed the values throughout the organization and our work.
• Assist leadership with forming agendas and managing content for staff and manager meetings.
• In collaboration with the HR team, provide training and ad-hoc assistance to managers on communication issues impacting employees, including sensitive communications.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of internal communications using analytics and employee feedback, identifying successes and opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Manage and collaborate with the Internal Communications Manager. Oversee external vendors, providing guidance and ensuring high-quality, consistent messaging.
• Plan and maintain a content calendar to ensure organizational alignment and timely, relevant internal communications.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience managing internal communications and developing communications strategy. Experience in research or academia is helpful.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Enthusiastic to bring forward creative and engaging ideas along with a willingness to seek clarification when necessary.
• Strong team management and leadership skills, including the ability to steer internal and external partners using influence and negotiation rather than direct authority.
• Experience in managing and optimizing intranet platforms and other channels such as Slack.
• Experience supporting inclusion and belonging initiatives.
• Able to use information and analytics to guide decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, demonstrating command of the highest standards of written and spoken English.
• Experience supporting senior leaders to develop key messaging and regular internal communications.
• Proven success supporting and integrating values and culture within the organization.
• Must be highly organized and able to field simultaneous requests from cross-functional teams with clear and timely follow-through.
• Possess the presence, confidence, and flexibility to establish credibility with foundation leadership.
• Must be able to work collaboratively while asserting expertise.

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $160,000 – $185,000 depending on experience.

In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.