Director, US Strategy & Executive Communications

$174,400 - $261,600/Yr

Novartis - East Hanover, NJ

Full-time - Senior

East Hanover, NJ

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Director of US Strategy & Executive Communications at Novartis plays a pivotal role in connecting the US business strategy to both internal and external audiences. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive narrative that encompasses the US business strategy, ensuring that it resonates with stakeholders at all levels. The director will shape the industry landscape and enhance the corporate narrative of US Novartis through the voices of top leaders, acting as a trusted partner and communications strategist for key figures within the commercial and medical affairs organizations. In this role, the director will identify and create visibility opportunities for US leaders, generating social media strategies to amplify the business strategy narrative. Utilizing analytics and insights, the director will inform strategic decisions and report on outcomes, while also anticipating potential risks to Novartis's reputation and advising leadership on proactive strategies. Staying ahead of industry trends and key issues is crucial, as the director will provide recommendations for engagement and prepare strategic messaging for top leaders. The director will also serve as the primary contact for external speaking and media opportunities, ensuring that executives are well-prepared for public engagements. Collaboration is key, as the director will work closely with the Executive Communications team and other US functions to support various communication initiatives, including town halls and organizational change communications. Additionally, the director will monitor performance metrics to ensure best-in-class outcomes and manage the budget effectively to maximize agency ROI.

Responsibilities

• Owner, developer and executor of the US business strategy narrative, including end-to-end strategy and communications planning.
• Shape the industry landscape and elevate the US Novartis corporate narrative through top US leader voices.
• Serve as a trusted business partner and communications strategy counselor to key US leaders.
• Identify and build visibility opportunities for top US leaders to support the business strategy narrative.
• Generate and execute social media strategies for key US leaders to amplify the business strategy narrative.
• Utilize analytics and insights to inform strategy and report outcomes.
• Anticipate and shape the environment to manage risks to Novartis's reputation.
• Advise business partners and leadership with predictive activities or strategies.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and provide recommendations for strategic messaging.
• Act as the point person for external speaking and media opportunities, ensuring media readiness.
• Collaborate with the Executive Communications team to support all-hands activities like town halls and leader meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with key US functions and communications partners.
• Monitor and evaluate performance to achieve best-in-class outcomes while ensuring compliance.
• Effectively manage budget and maximize agency ROI.

Requirements

• BA/BS required, advanced degree a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in executive communications or related discipline, preferably in healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
• Experience in external communications strategy and media relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including narrative writing and content development.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with senior leadership.
• Experience in raising visibility of key executives through strategic communications.
• Development and implementation of integrated communications plans against business objectives.
• Experience in social media strategy and content creation.
• Ability to create impactful narratives to connect business strategy.
• Agency partner and budget management capabilities.
• Experience in organizing corporate events, including town halls and leader meetings.
• Experience in leading organizational change management communications.
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work in a matrix environment.
• Ability to manage complex issues and provide effective solutions.
• Understanding of the US healthcare industry landscape.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools for communication effectiveness.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range between $174,400.00 and $261,600.00 per year.
• Sign-on bonus and restricted stock units may be included in the compensation package.
• Full range of medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility with company contributions.
• Paid time off benefits, including vacation, sick time, and parental leave.