Associate Vice President, Employee Communications at Agilent Technologies in Santa Clara, CA

Job description

Job Description The Role Agilent is seeking an Associate Vice President (AVP), Employee Communications to lead the global employee communications team and be accountable for its strategy, effectiveness, and contribution to employee understanding, alignment, and trust. Within the Enterprise Communications strategy, this leader sets employee communications priorities and advises senior executives on how business decisions, enterprise transformation, and organizational changes are communicated to employees. The role translates complex priorities into clear narratives that connect employees’ work to Agilent’s strategy and builds trusted connections between leadership and employees around the world. This role reports to the vice president of Enterprise Communications and contributes to the broader function’s strategy. The AVP partners frequently with the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Enterprise Transformation Office, and other senior executives to shape employee communications approaches before decisions are announced. The leader brings business fluency and sound judgment to sensitive situations, anticipates employee concerns, and helps executives align on messages, timing, and follow-through. The ideal candidate can strengthen the Employee Communications program while leading a small team and remaining hands-on in executive counsel, writing, and delivery. The role sets the function’s annual plan, objectives, and standards, aligning team resources and cross-company partners to enterprise priorities. Success requires the composure to navigate competing stakeholder needs and build confidence during periods of change and ambiguity. Key Responsibilities Own the employee communications strategy and annual plan, connecting Agilent’s business priorities, culture, and enterprise transformation to employees’ understanding of their work. Advise the CHRO and other senior executives on sensitive communications, bringing sound judgment, anticipating employee concerns, and helping leaders align on messages, timing, and approach. Lead communications for enterprise transformation and organizational change, partnering with the Enterprise Transformation Office, HR, and business leaders to build understanding, trust, and engagement. Shape clear, authentic leadership narratives and compelling employee content, remaining hands-on in writing and ensuring consistency across audiences and channels. Set communications standards and priorities across the company, coordinating global partners, equipping managers, and resolving competing needs within the role’s authority. Lead and develop a small team , aligning resources to priorities and maintaining strong execution in a fast-moving environment. Measure communications effectiveness and act on employee feedback, improving understanding, alignment, and engagement over time. Qualifications Required Experience 7-10+ years of experience in internal or employee communications. Proven record in developing and executing compelling internal communications strategies and programs — at scale and around the globe. Exceptional copywriting and editing skills. Well-versed in Associated Press style. Demonstrated experience leading teams and collaborating across multiple departments and functions, typically including seven or more years of increasing managerial responsibility; ability to develop a small team while remaining hands-on. Ability to capture the authentic voice of the CEO, CHRO, and other senior leaders, shape enterprise employee narratives, and advise executives on sensitive transformation and organizational change communications. Confidence and judgment to set priorities, resolve competing stakeholder needs, and lead multiple complex initiatives concurrently. Strong familiarity with Office 365 and related collaboration tools. Knowledge of SharePoint and employee-communication platforms, with the ability to set direction for intranet content, channel effectiveness, and the employee experience. Skills & Comp