Global Internal Communications Director

Job Type Full-time Description

Title: Global Internal Communications Director 

Department: Communications and Public Relations 

Location: Virginia Beach, VA - Operation Smile HQ 

Travel: The position requires international travel (approximately 10% of the time)

Direct Reports: No 

General Description: 

The Director of Global Internal Communications is a mission-driven leader responsible for shaping and delivering a unified internal communications strategy across our international healthcare organization. This role supports a globally dispersed workforce—including regional and country offices, volunteers and world headquarters—by ensuring timely, transparent, and culturally sensitive communication. This role plays a key role in strengthening organizational culture, promoting collaboration, and ensuring our people are informed and inspired to advance Operation Smile’s mission of equitable healthcare for all.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and Execute Global Strategy:?Lead the creation and implementation of an inclusive, multilingual internal communications strategy aligned with organizational values, goals, and global context.
• Content Leadership: Write and oversee high-quality content tailored for diverse audiences, including health professionals, support staff, and leadership. Content includes newsletters, announcements, leadership updates, and internal campaigns.
• Platform Ownership: Manage and continuously improve internal communication platforms, including the intranet, Newsletters (e.g., The Essentials), and email communications tools. Ensure platforms support equitable access and engagement globally.
• Intranet Management: Oversee the organization’s intranet strategy and operations. Collaborate with IT and Human Resources to ensure usability, relevant content, and localization.
• Executive Communications: Partner with senior leaders and regional directors to support effective internal communication, including speechwriting, global town halls, and video messages that reflect our values and amplify the mission.
• Change and Crisis Communication: Lead internal communication efforts during organizational changes, humanitarian responses, or public health emergencies—ensuring clarity, empathy, and alignment.
• Employee Engagement & Culture Building: Collaborate with HR and regional leaders to reinforce employee engagement, recognition, and inclusion through targeted communications and storytelling.
• Global Collaboration & Listening: Establish two-way communication channels to gather employee feedback, understand communication needs across regions, and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Track engagement metrics, survey feedback, and analytics to assess communication effectiveness and inform future improvements.

Requirements

Job Qualifications and Skills Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Health, or related field; Master’s degree or nonprofit communications experience preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in internal or corporate communications, with at least 3 years in a global or mission-driven environment.
• Deep understanding of communication needs in multicultural, multilingual, and remote/hybrid workforces.? 
• Excellent writing, editing, and cross-cultural storytelling skills.
• Strong command of digital communication and collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom).? 
• Experience producing and distributing employee newsletters, managing content calendars, and using internal communication platforms like Workshop or Poppulo.
• Proficiency with visual communication tools such as Canva to create polished visuals that align with brand standards for internal messages.
• Strong experience planning, producing, and hosting virtual and hybrid internal events with global reach and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working within international nonprofits, public health organizations, or NGOs.?Experience supporting field-based teams or humanitarian response.
• Fluency in one or more languages beyond English.
• Familiarity with safeguarding communications and data privacy best practices.

 Core Competencies: 

• Strategic Thinking - The ability to analyze complex situations, anticipate future trends, and formulate effective plans and decisions to achieve long-term goals or desired outcomes. 
• Cultural Competence - The ability to