Senior Communications Change Management Project Manager

Senior Communications & Change Management Project Manager Location:
Lake County, IL or Remote for local candidates Contract Duration:
12 Months Schedule:
Hybrid – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday onsite | Monday and Friday remote Industry:
Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences Position Level:
Senior / Project Manager III $82-$87/hr based on benefit selections We are seeking an experienced Senior Communications & Change Management Project Manager to lead strategic internal communications, employee engagement, and organizational change management initiatives within a global pharmaceutical organization.
This highly visible position will partner closely with executive leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and subject matter experts to develop and execute communication strategies that support organizational priorities, business transformation, and employee engagement.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in corporate communications, executive communications, organizational change management, and strategic project leadership, with the ability to translate complex business initiatives into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
This role requires someone who can operate both strategically and tactically—developing comprehensive communication and change management plans while also creating executive presentations, employee newsletters, leadership talking points, and other high-impact communications.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Employee Engagement Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of internal communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives and business priorities.
Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts to identify communication needs, develop messaging, and support cross-functional initiatives.
Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans tailored to multiple audiences, incorporating stakeholder analysis, messaging, timing, communication channels, and effectiveness tracking.
Draft, edit, and distribute organization-wide employee communications, including newsletters, announcements, leadership updates, and other internal messaging.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive communications calendar to ensure consistent, timely, and coordinated messaging.
Lead and support employee advisory groups, including developing meeting agendas, facilitating discussions, coordinating meetings, and summarizing recommendations and outcomes for leadership.
Identify opportunities to improve employee engagement, communication effectiveness, and organizational alignment.
Executive Communications & Leadership Support Provide strategic communications support to senior executives, including the Vice President and leadership team.
Develop executive presentations, PowerPoint slides, speeches, talking points, and leadership messaging for internal meetings and organizational initiatives.
Support executive video communications, including scriptwriting, talking point development, and production coordination.
Plan and coordinate organization-wide meetings, employee recognition programs, leadership forums, and other engagement initiatives.
Support strategic messaging initiatives that reinforce organizational priorities, cultural objectives, and leadership alignment.
Collaborate with leadership to ensure communications are clear, consistent, engaging, and aligned with business objectives.
Organizational Change Management Develop and implement structured change management strategies to support organizational transformation and complex business initiatives.
Create detailed change management plans, including stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, readiness assessments, and implementation activities.
Conduct change impact assessments, stakeholder analyses, organizational alignment evaluations, and cultural readiness assessments.
Partner with cross-functional teams to develop communications and training strategies that support successful change adoption.
Identify potential barriers to change and recommend strategies to improve employee understanding, engagement, and adoption.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of change management initiatives and recommend continuous improvements.
Support business and technology transformation initiatives by ensuring employees and stakeholders receive appropriate communication, resources, and guidance.
Project & Program Management Lead multiple concurrent communications and change management projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.
Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, communication deliverables, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Coordinate activities across departments, business units, and global teams to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
Facilitate meetings, track deliverables, manage competing priorities, and proactively address project risks or challenges.
Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure projects achieve intended business outcomes.
Identify opp