Director, R&D Engagement & Executive Communications

Key Responsibilities:  

• Develop and implement communication strategy and thought leadership platform for President, Development and CMO including engagement plans and strategic messaging, as well as lead all aspects of internal communications for the Novartis Biomedical Research and Development organizations.

• Oversee the development of inspiring associate engagement programs for R&D audiences to further connect our people to the organization’s culture, strategy, and innovation to instill pride and drive performance.

• Oversee the development of creative and future-facing communications strategies to engage priority audiences and bring the R&D story to life across Novartis.   

• Deliver communications strategies to ensure understanding of company evolution and any change initiatives that take place across the Novartis Biomedical Research and Development organizations.

• Partner with Corporate Reputation and Narrative team to develop R&D story to be included as a core tenet and reputational driver in enterprise narrative.

• Act as Basel local deputy to Head of R&D Communications as needed and collaborate closely across the Corporate Affairs team and Novartis Research, Development and Commercial continuum to ensure consistent and transparent communication across the organization.

• Work with key stakeholders and partners to deliver strategic, relevant, and innovative communications programs tailored to business needs.

• Lead and develop Associate Director R&D Comms and Engagement, maximizing their potential and collective contribution to the team. 

• Maintain a keen understanding of Novartis Biomedical Research and Development organizational needs and drive innovative approaches to associate engagement and other focus areas by closely tracking best and emerging practices.

• Exemplify a predictive mindset seeking multidirectional insights to understand our environment and stakeholders and embrace experimentation and action, as well as effectively track and measure programs and initiatives to inform decision-making and ensure impact and progress against our goals.

Essential Requirements:

• Several years of experience in communications role with focus on R&D, Executive, Internal Communications or related fields.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communications strategies, accompanied by a strong understanding of our industry, specifically R&D.

• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with strong strategic communication and business partnering skills.

• Excellent people and collaboration skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to influence at a senior level and navigate complexity, as well as thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment and drive results under tight deadlines.

Benefits and rewards: 

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: 

https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation: 

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in any order to receive more detailed information about essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.