Skip to main content
Posted 22 July, 2026

Principal Manager, Internal Communications Research

TalentBurst, Inc.
South San Francisco, CA, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description
Principal Manager, Internal Communications – Research
12 Months
South San Franciso, CA
Working Model: Hybrid (Wed anchor day, the other two onsite days are negotIable)
Working days: : Standard eight hour shIft

Interview Format : Two Rounds (1. Reporting Manger [45 minutes], 2. Panel [60 minutes] - Task for panel interview: Case Study/Writing Excercise)
Travel Requirement: One week in Monterey, CA for a team meeting

As Principal Manager, Internal Communications within Research and Early Development (gRED), you will join the Research Communications team on a 12-month contract to help establish the foundational internal communications infrastructure that enables our Research organization to communicate with greater consistency, clarity, and impact.
This role is ideal for a senior communications professional who thrives in building from the ground up. You will partner with Research leaders to create scalable communications frameworks, tools, governance, and approaches that strengthen how we communicate across departments and engage employees. Alongside this strategic work, you will step into key communications priorities—leading employee-focused programs, executive communications, and high-profile events that are critical to the Research organization.
Success in this role requires someone who can quickly build trusted relationships, navigate complexity, and seamlessly balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery. Experience supporting organizations through change and transformation will be highly valuable, as Research continues to evolve to meet scientific and business priorities.
This position reports to the Senior Director, Head of Internal Communications for gRED.

The Opportunity
During this 12-month engagement, you will:
Design and establish foundational internal communications infrastructure for Research departments, including communication frameworks, planning processes, governance, templates, and best practices that enable leaders and teams to communicate more effectively.
Partner with senior leaders to develop communication strategies that bring clarity to complex business priorities and strengthen employee understanding and engagement.
Create repeatable communications approaches that improve consistency across the Research organization while allowing flexibility for departmental needs.
Lead executive communications, including leadership messaging, narratives, town halls, and communications for high-impact organizational moments.
Step in to lead and deliver strategic employee-focused programs and experiences, including Research-wide meetings, leadership forums, engagement initiatives, and other high-visibility events.
Design communication plans that support organizational priorities, scientific milestones, and employee engagement initiatives from strategy through execution.
Gather and interpret employee feedback and engagement insights, translating them into actionable recommendations for leaders.
Collaborate across gRED, to ensure communications are aligned with broader enterprise priorities.
Support communications related to organizational evolution and change initiatives, helping leaders communicate with transparency, empathy, and confidence.
Introduce modern communications practices and continuously improve effectiveness through measurement, feedback, and data-driven insights.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
BA/BS required.
10+ years of experience in internal communications within complex, matrixed organizations.
Significant experience supporting Research, scientific, or technical organizations within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related industries.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, executive communications, and employee engagement.
Experience designing communications frameworks, operating models, or foundational communications capabilities that enable organizations to communicate more effectively.
Proven ability to quickly establish credibility and influence senior leaders.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
Comfortable operating at both strategic and execution levels in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting organizational change, transformation, or business evolution through effective communications.
Advanced degree or background in life sciences or a related field.
Experience across both internal and external communications.
Consulting or advisory experience supporting senior executives.
Experience designing large-scale employee engagement programs, leadership events, or internal conferences.

#TB_PH
#ZR

Why TalentBurst?
At TalentBurst, we deliver more than talent, we deliver outcomes. We partner with you to move quickly and connect you to opportunities aligned with your skills and long term growth.

Backed by precision, transparency, and results, we connect top talent with leading organizations through trusted partnerships.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement options.

TalentBurst is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Company Description
Founded in 2002 by three former Monster.com executives; TalentBurst is an award-winning full-service Staffing Firm working directly with Fortune 500 companies in the US and Canada. We specialize in Contract and Contract to Permanent roles across many industries and have direct/contractual relationships with all our clients. Please visit our website www.talentburst.com or come meet us at our offices in Natick, MA, Miami, FL, Christiansburg, VA, Vineland, NJ, Houston, TX & downtown San Francisco, CA