Executive Director, Region Europe Communications & Patient Advocacy

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks an Executive Director for Europe Communications & Patient Advocacy in Basel. The role leads regional strategy, team performance, and patient advocacy initiatives.

The company is looking for a senior leader to direct Communications and Patient Advocacy efforts across the European region. This position involves partnering closely with the Regional President to align strategic goals, inspire a diverse network, and ensure that global strategies result in tangible outcomes for patients.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Regional President and Leadership Team on communications and patient advocacy matters.
• Ensure high standards of performance, accountability, and execution quality within regional teams.
• Convert global strategies into specific regional priorities and guarantee consistent implementation at the country level.
• Coach and develop country heads to enhance their capabilities, business acumen, and overall impact.
• Facilitate executive communications that align with global narratives and enterprise-wide priorities.
• Promote collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the regional network.
• Manage media relations, reputation, and crisis response in key markets.
• Allocate regional resources and budgets to maximize impact on high-priority activities.
• Drive the adoption of AI tools to upskill teams and improve workflow efficiency.

Requirements

• Extensive background in communications, patient advocacy, or corporate affairs within global, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated success in partnering with senior commercial or general management leaders at an executive level.
• Proven experience leading multi-country teams with clear accountability for performance and delivery.
• Expertise in media relations, reputation management, and handling crises or complex issues.
• Experience collaborating with patient organizations and advocacy groups in regulated healthcare settings.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and coaching abilities 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.
• Fluency in using AI for daily execution and efficiency, along with an understanding of its external impact.
• A university degree is required.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.

What the company offers

• Annual base salary ranging from 159,600 CHF to 296,400 CHF.
• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive insurance plans.
• Retirement and pension plans.
• Wellbeing resources and support.
• Global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Long-term equity awards.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is committed to reimagining medicine together. The company upholds pay equity as a fundamental principle of its employment policy and strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together.
• Pay equity is a fundamental principle of employment policy.
• Commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect.