Strategic Communications Director

Strategic Communications Director

Category: Corporate Affairs

Location:Zurich, Switzerland Zurich, CH

We have two roles to offer in the communications department.

Your new role

Are you passionate about driving strategic external communications and shaping the future of global health? Do you have a passion for translating complex scientific information into emotionally compelling narratives that resonate with the public? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to work with the communications strategy for Novo Nordisk International Operations (IO).

You will be accountable for shaping and leading Novo Nordisk's strategic media relations programs in International Operations in close collaboration with the team, our Global and Regional colleagues across key priorities to enhance the visibility and positive reputation of Novo Nordisk at the local and national levels, to position the company among its key external audiences.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Orchestrate and mobilise key local media engagement plans, milestones and deliverables to enhance patient awareness and activation with Regional and affiliate colleagues as end-customers to execute
• Strengthen communications capabilities: Support leaders, regions and teams in building corporate affairs skills around communications with a key focus on external communication targeting patient awareness and activation
• Define and drive strategic messaging towards external stakeholders: Collaborate with Global and IO teams to craft and communicate narratives on key strategic priorities (focused on key priorities for the business primarily around obesity).
• Develop functional competencies and maturity: Identify core skills, perform gap analyses, and ensure the right resources are in place at regional and affiliate levels.
• Manage reputational risks: Assess short- and long-term risks and provide guidance on issues management and to the extent possible on mitigating potential issues
• Support executive communications to an external audience: Assist the IO EVP in external media engagements with sharp, relevant key messages and narratives tailored to the media outlet, key audience and key business priorities
• Ensure regional messaging consistency: Create cohesive strategies on critical issues (supply, obesity, business ethics, counterfeit products, sustainability) with established communication processes in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Your new department

As Strategic Communications Manager in the IO Corporate Affairs department, you are responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies that enhance and protect Novo Nordisk's presence, share of voice and reputation. The role requires independent work and collaboration, serving as a primary expert in strategic communication within the organization. You drive innovative storylines and messaging for media outreach, ensuring content aligns with strategic business objectives and commercial needs. A deep understanding of the business, competitors, and emerging trends is essential to deliver impactful and strategically anchored communications activities.

Your skills & qualifications

The role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills to craft compelling messages, shape public opinion, and protect and promote the organization's reputation. It involves proactive engagement with internal and external stakeholders, anticipating and managing potential issues, and developing strategic communications and public relations plans that align with organizational objectives. Analytical thinking and adaptability are essential to monitor trends, respond to emerging challenges, and ensure consistent, impactful messaging across all channels.

• University degree in communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in strategic media or public relations, ideally within the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including the public, investors, and government officials.
• Experience in developing and executing media strategies to enhance and protect organizational reputation.
• Experience in working cross-functionally, ideally with different parts of the organization and interactions with executive management

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with an unconventional spirit, a rare determination and a constant curiosity. For over 100 years this unordinary mindset has seen us build a company unlike any other. One where a collective passion for our purpose, mutual respect and a willingness to go beyond what we know delivers extraordinary results.

Deadline

28th October Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)

Novo Nordisk is not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on

solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.