Internal Communications and Events Manager

Internal Communications & Events Manager

North Bethesda MD - Corporate Headquarters

Full time

R22529

JOB SUMMARY:

The Internal Communications & Events Manager leads strategic employee communications and high-impact internal events that connect team members to company priorities, culture, and business goals.

This role develops and executes communication strategies for enterprise initiatives, executive messaging, change management efforts, and employee engagement programs while producing engaging internal events and experiences.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, storyteller, and project leader who can translate complex information into clear, compelling messages and deliver exceptional employee experiences that drive engagement and business results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications Strategy & Planning 

• Develop and execute internal communication strategies that advance business priorities, organizational initiatives, and employee engagement goals.
• Partner with leaders and key stakeholders to create communication plans aligned with company objectives and audience needs.
• Craft clear, compelling messaging and communication materials for a variety of employee audiences.
• Lead executive communications, organizational announcements, culture initiatives, and enterprise-wide messaging efforts.
• Develop communication frameworks, toolkits, and resources that enable leaders to communicate effectively and consistently.
• Evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements based on business outcomes and employee feedback.

Campaign Development & Associate Engagement 

• Lead integrated communication campaigns that support key business initiatives, organizational change efforts, and employee experience programs.
• Design multi-channel communication strategies that increase awareness, understanding, and engagement.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify audience needs, objectives, and success measures.
• Monitor campaign performance and leverage insights to continuously improve future communications.

Internal Events & Production 

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of internal events, including leadership meetings, town halls, recognition programs, and employee engagement experiences.
• Collaborate with business leaders to define event objectives, key messages, and desired outcomes.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, project plans, vendors, and production schedules.
• Develop event content, executive presentations, speaker materials, communication plans, and run-of-show documentation.
• Coordinate internal teams and external partners to deliver seamless, high-quality event experiences.
• Ensure events reinforce company culture and support broader business and communication objectives.

Operational Communications & Incident Response 

• Serve as the lead communications partner during employee-impacting operational issues and business disruptions.
• Assess communication needs, recommend response strategies, and deliver timely, accurate updates during rapidly evolving situations.
• Manage communications related to office closures, severe weather, facilities issues, technology disruptions, safety matters, and other operational events.
• Maintain communication tools, templates, and processes that support effective incident response and business continuity communications.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and composure under pressure.

Strategic Partnership & Communications Counsel 

• Advise leaders and stakeholders on communication strategy, change management, messaging, timing, audience engagement, and channel selection.
• Lead communications planning for high-profile initiatives requiring coordinated, cross-functional support.
• Partner closely with Human Resources and other business functions to align employee-facing communications and initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across the organization to identify communication opportunities and improve overall communication effectiveness.
• Champion strategic, enterprise-wide communication approaches that drive greater consistency and business impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Event Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, employee communications, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience leading communication strategy, planning, and execution for internal events, employee engagement programs, or organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing communication campaigns and events from strategy through delivery.
• Experience supporting executive communications, change communications, and time-sensitive operational communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation development skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong visual and creative judgment with an understanding of brand standards and audience engagement best practices.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Organizational Communication, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in hospitality, travel, entertainment, media, retail, or other customer-centric industries.
• Experience managing large-scale employee events, leadership meetings, conferences, or recognition programs.
• Experience working with external agencies, creative partners, production companies, or event vendors.
• Experience with employee engagement platforms, collaboration tools, or internal communications technology.

COMPENSATION & SALARY RANGE:

Salary Range: $99,919 to $117,000 annually

This role is also eligible for an annual bonus under Choice’s Management Incentive Plan (MIP).

Pay ranges listed are what Choice Hotels reasonably expects to pay. Actual pay may be higher or lower and ranges may be adjusted in the future. Pay positioning within the range is influenced by factors including—but not limited to—education, experience, skills, certifications, performance, geographic location, business needs, seniority, and travel requirements.

WORK LOCATION & HYBRID SCHEDULE:

This position is based at Choice Hotels International’s corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland. Regular onsite presence at this location is required.

Associates are expected to follow the established hybrid work schedule, working onsite Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays.