Director, US Policy & Issues Communications

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Define, manage and responsible for strategy to identify and shape Novartis visibility and position around key US healthcare policies, issues management and market access.
• Proactive and reactive issues management, with editorial planning and forecasting.
• Key advisor to US business and corporate affairs on US reputation levers, insights and strategy related to US policies and issues.
• Work collaboratively with US media relations team to provide media support plus media and presentation training/preparation for key spokespeople related to policy, issues and market access.
• Serve as trusted business partner and communications strategy counselor to senior leaders – specifically responsible for business partnering and leader engagement for Compliance, Public Affairs and Market Access.
• Create strategy, narrative and visibility platform to drive and support our Market Access story and business leader.
• Utilize analytics and insights to inform strategy and report outcomes.
• Stay ahead of curve on US and industry issues and policies; predictively and proactively advise senior leaders.
• Oversee and manage US Policy & Issues Communications Manager.
• Serve as approved media specialist related to healthcare policy and various issues on behalf of Novartis.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key US functions, US communications partners, public affairs teams, and global corporate affairs colleagues.
• Monitor and evaluate performance to achieve and maintain best-in-class outcomes, while being fully compliant.
• Effectively manage budget and maximize agency ROI.

Role Requirements

• BA/BS required, advanced degree a plus

• 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs or related discipline, with healthcare and/or pharmaceutical background
• Strong reputation and issues management for US market; background in US healthcare policy; business acumen and understanding of US policy and healthcare industry landscape
• Media relations expertise and media relationship management
• Development and implementation of integrated communications plans and content
• Strong writer with editorial oversight and project management experience
• Management of agency partners and budget
• Stellar issues management and US policy communications strategy
• Media relations skills and media policy contacts
• Critical thinking and predictive mindset
• Analytical and insights acumen to shape landscapes 3-5 years out related to industry issues and policy
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively interact with, counsel and coach top US leaders; ability to influence at a senior level and navigate complexity
• Collaborative enterprise mindset with comfort in working in a dynamic & ambiguous matrix environment. With ability to multi-task and manage complex issues into simple effective solutions
• Ability to inspire, mentor and lead teams

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $174,400.00 and $261,600.00 / year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period.  Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.