Job Description

Salary Range:

CHF159,600.00 - CHF296,400.00Executive Director, Region Europe Communications & Patient Advocacy

#LI-Hybrid

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Shape the voice and impact of Communications & Patient Advocacy across Europe at a pivotal moment for healthcare. As Executive Director, you will partner closely with the Regional President to drive strategic alignment, elevate performance, and ensure consistent, high-quality execution across markets. This is a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a diverse regional network, influence business-critical decisions, and translate global strategies into meaningful outcomes that strengthen reputation and deliver impact for patients and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic Communications & Patient Advocacy partner to the Regional President and Leadership Team
• Drive performance, accountability, and execution quality across regional Communications & Patient Advocacy teams
• Translate global strategies into clear regional priorities and ensure consistent country-level execution
• Lead and coach country heads to strengthen capability, impact, and business acumen
• Enable effective executive communications aligned with global narratives and enterprise priorities
• Foster collaboration and best practice sharing across a high-performing regional network
• Oversee media relations, reputation management, and crisis response across priority markets
• Optimize regional resources and budgets to focus investment on highest-impact activities
• Drive AI upskilling and AI enablement of workflows within C&PtA country teams

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience in communications, patient advocacy, or corporate affairs within a global, matrixed organization
• Proven track record partnering with senior commercial or general management leaders at executive level
• Strong experience leading multi-country teams with accountability for performance and delivery
• Expertise in media relations, reputation management, and crisis or issues management
• Experience working with patient organizations and advocacy groups in regulated healthcare environments
• Excellent leadership, influencing, and coaching skills across diverse, matrixed teams
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems, policy, and access dynamics across multiple geographies
• Ability to translate strategy into execution and drive measurable business impact
• AI fluency in day-to-day execution and efficiency, as well as understanding of AI impact on external landscape
• Degree required; advanced degree preferred (Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or related field)

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 159,600 CHF to 296,400 CHF

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is 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 reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Barrierefreiheit und Zugänglichkeit

Wenn Sie aufgrund einer Erkrankung oder Behinderung spezielle Unterstützung während des Rekrutierungsprozesses brauchen und/oder deswegen detailliertere Informationen über die wesentlichen Funktionen einer Stelle benötigen, senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com und teilen Sie
uns die Art Ihres Anliegens und Ihre Kontaktinformationen mit. Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, dabei die Referenznummer der Stellenausschreibung anzugeben

Skills Desired

Business Strategies, Communication Medium (Inactive), Computer Networking, Computer Programming, Creative Directing, Creativity, Leadership, Manufacturing Production, Media Strategies, Press Releases, Social Media, Team Player