Director, International Patient Advocacy

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of international patient advocacy strategy for the assigned Therapeutic Area, across pre-launch, launch, and in-market brands
• Scale Patient Activation (IPEX) for priority brands, including early pre ‑ launch insight generation, AI ‑ based message testing, personalized content, and PESO activation models including oversight of country implementation
• Partner with Public Affairs and Policy Communications to align advocacy with access and environment shaping priorities
• Advise priority countries on advocacy plans, ensuring alignment with global frameworks and local adaptation
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with patient organizations to strengthen external engagement and impact
• Translate patient and AI-enabled insights into actionable strategies that improve access, outcomes, and launch readiness
• Embed data-driven ways of working to monitor performance and anticipate external trends influencing decisions
• Essential Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, public policy, communications, business, or related field
• Extensive experience in patient advocacy, public affairs, access, or healthcare communications
• Proven track record leading global advocacy strategies for launches or enterprise initiatives
• Strong ability to build trusted relationships with patient organizations or external stakeholders
• Experience working cross-functionally with commercial, medical, public affairs, and access teams
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in highly regulated environments with governance and compliance requirements
• Strong strategic thinking and data fluency with the ability to translate insights and complex information into actionable behavior change
• High level of influence and leadership presence within complex, matrixed organizations
• 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
• Barrierefreiheit und Zugänglichkeit
• Skills Desired
• Affiliate Marketing, Communication Medium, Corporate Communication, Creativity, Curious Mindset, Employee Engagement, Internal Communications (Ic), Interviewing Skills, Marketing, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Social Media, Strategic Communications, W3

Benefits

Additional Information

Salary Range: CHF137,900.00 - CHF256,100.00 Job Description Summary Director, International Patient Advocacy #LI-Hybrid Location: Basel, Switzerland Are you passionate about amplifying the patient voice and shaping healthcare systems at a global level? In this pivotal leadership role, you will drive the International Patient Advocacy strategy for a key Therapeutic Area, translating patient insights into impactful action that improves access, outcomes, and trust. Working at the heart of a highly matrixed organization, you will partner with senior leaders and external stakeholders to shape the environment, influence launch success, and embed innovative, data-driven approaches across the product lifecycle-ultimately making a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. Job Description

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