Description
The Director, Internal & Executive Communications, North America will drive an integrated, forward-thinking internal communications strategy across the region, supporting business priorities and strengthening the company's reputation amongst our most important audience: our team. The role will translate business priorities into clear and credible internal communications; amplify the Company's transformation and growth agenda; strengthen executive visibility; and enhance employee engagement.
This role demands a sophisticated communicator who understands how to reach, engage, and inspire a diverse workforce. The role will build modern, channel-appropriate strategies that ensure employees feel informed, connected, and part of a larger mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Internal Communications & Employee Engagement
• In collaboration with the region VP, develop and execute an internal communications strategy that ensures employees are informed, inspired and connected to ELC's mission, values and direction
• Lead internal communications that cover the full internal channel mix including leadership messaging, live events, digital communications (email, intranet, digital screens, etc.), and emerging platforms
• Stay ahead of how employees consume information; bring a modern, platform-aware mindset to the selection and use of communication tools, formats, and cadences
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Legal, IR and other regional and global Communications counterparts to ensure message alignment, consistency, and discipline across the enterprise
• Design and lead integrated initiatives that promote business priorities, strengthen culture, enhance retention and celebrate contributions, in partnership with regional business leaders, HR, ID&E, Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability, Breast Cancer Campaign, regional ERGs, etc
Executive Communications
• Strengthen executive visibility of the region's extended leadership group, through authentic communication initiatives, across all channels
• Lead effective cascades of global, regional and functional messages, equipping the region's leaders with usable and timely communications materials and support
• Prepare executives for employee engagements and internal events. Develop executive presentations, speeches, talking points, town hall messaging, video scripts, etc
Story Mining & Narrative Development
• Develop clear, insight-led narratives on key regional announcements and programs. Ideate event topics, curate content, shape the internal dialogue
• Successfully parse business performance, industry and consumer data to support key narratives, in partnership with the region's Dir, External Corporate Comms
Change & Issues Management
• Guide internal communication efforts during organizational change or sensitive people-related matters, ensuring clarity, transparency, and trust across all audiences
• Own the internal commmunications component during people-related crisis scenarios including safety incidents, workforce matters, or sensitive events
• Coordinate closely with External Comms, Legal, and HR to ensure aligned messaging across all internal and external audiences
Leadership & Project Management
• Maintain a year-long internal communications/editorial calendar
• Produce internal events, including vendor sourcing and management, tech oversight, etc
• Standardize internal protocols, including vetting processes, people news, etc
• Manage a departmental budget, including planning, forecasting, vendor management, and expense tracking
• Measure effectiveness across channels and continuously refine the strategy based on reach, engagement and employee feedback
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Core Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field
• 10+ years' experience in corporate communications, internal communications, public affairs and/or issues management
• Experience in beauty, wellness, personal care, retail, luxury or other related industry preferred
• Agency experience, a plus
• Experience in organizational transformation and change communications
• Experience advising senior executives in high-stakes situations
• Ability to operate at pace, manage multiple priorities and work effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Proven ability to influence across a highly matrixed organization
• Strong leadership, team management and stakeholder management capability
• Sound judgement and calm under pressure
Tools & Platforms (Hands-on Proficiency)
Publishing & Collaboration
• Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint (visual storytelling)
• SharePoint (or similar intranet CMS)
• Microsoft Teams
• Airtable, a plus
Industry Resources & Analytics
• Familiarity with Circana, Nielsen, or similar data sets, a plus
Editorial & Strategic Thinking
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with strong editorial judgment
• Proven ability to turn complex business topics into clear, engaging content
Portfolio or work samples required (writing, editorial placements, etc.)
Location: Hybrid - ELC North America office in New York (4 days per week)
Pay Range:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $124,200.00 to $214,450.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program as well as participation in the share incentive plan. In addition,
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results. In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.
