Director, International Policy Communications

Novartis (Internal Careers for Acquired Entities) Open · verified Aug 20, 2026

Basel Full-time Director Communications

Leadership Communications role at Novartis (Internal Careers for Acquired Entities). Basel · full-time · CHF 137,900–CHF 256,100 base.

SalaryStated by Novartis (Internal Careers for Acquired Entities)

CHF 137,900 – CHF 256,100

Base salary for this role, in CHF per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Set the international policy communications strategy around enterprise and Public Affairs priorities
Turn policy, regulatory, and access developments into narratives for external audiences
Build global frameworks, toolkits, and message structures that support consistent local work
Prepare response plans for policy scenarios and coordinate execution across regions
Align Public Affairs, Value and Access, Patient Advocacy, and Communications leaders

What you bring

Extensive policy communications, public affairs, or corporate communications experience in multinational organizations
Director-level delivery with clear evidence of results and impact
Deep understanding of geopolitics, especially across Europe
Experience using data, insights, and artificial intelligence to shape communications strategy
Strong influence and stakeholder-management skills in complex international, matrixed settings

Who this fits

You’ll suit a senior communications leader who can simplify global healthcare, regulatory, and access issues and influence policymakers, industry stakeholders, opinion leaders, and senior business leaders. The role is based in Basel, Switzerland, and requires work across international regions and diverse stakeholder groups. Experience in APMA or other regions is an advantage, while day-to-day AI fluency is expected.

From the employer

Salary Range:

CHF137,900.00 - CHF256,100.00

Band

Level 6

Job Description Summary

Director, International Policy Communications

Location: Basel, Switzerland

This is a unique opportunity to shape the global policy conversation at Novartis. As Director, International Policy Communications, you will sit at the intersection of policy, public affairs and communications—translating complex global healthcare, regulatory and access topics into clear, credible and impactful narratives. You will drive a cohesive international policy communications strategy, influencing policymakers, industry stakeholders and opinion leaders while strengthening Novartis’ reputation across key markets. If you are motivated by high-impact work, thrive in a global and matrixed environment, and enjoy turning complexity into clarity, this role offers the platform to make a meaningful difference at scale.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Define and evolve the global policy communications strategy aligned with enterprise and Public Affairs priorities.
Shape and govern integrated policy narratives that strengthen Novartis’ positioning across international markets.
Translate complex policy, regulatory, and access dynamics into strategic narratives that influence external stakeholders.
Design scalable global frameworks, toolkits, and messaging architectures to enable consistent local execution.
Drive enterprise-wide preparedness through scenario planning and strategic policy communications response strategies.
Orchestrate cross-functional alignment with Public Affairs, Value and Access, Patient Advocacy and Communications leaders.
Harness data, insights and artificial intelligence to inform strategy and enhance predictive communications capabilities.
Serve as the central strategic integrator, ensuring coherence, discipline and impact across regions and policy ecosystems.

Essential Requirements

Extensive experience in policy communications, public affairs, or corporate communications within multinational organisations
Proven track record at Director level, with tangible examples of impact and delivery
Deep expertise in the geopolitical landscape, with strong knowledge across Europe Additional experience in APMA/other regions considered a strong advantage
AI fluency in day-to-day execution and efficiency, as well as understanding of AI impact on external landscape
Data-driven mindset with experience leveraging insights and artificial intelligence to inform communications strategy
Demonstrated success working across highly matrixed, international environments with diverse stakeholder groups
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across Public Affairs, Communications and senior business leaders

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: 137,900 CHF to 256,100 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

Affiliate Marketing, Business Communications, Communication Medium (Inactive), Creativity, Curious Mindset, Employee Engagement, Internal Communications (Ic) (Inactive), Interviewing Skills (Inactive), Marketing, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Social Media, Strategic Communication Planning, W3 (Inactive)