Executive Director / Executive Directoress

Job ID

REQ-10080250

June 26, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Summary

Join us as the Executive Director, Region Europe Communications & Patient Advocacy and shape the voice and impact of Communications and Patient Advocacy across Europe during this pivotal moment for healthcare. 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 critical business decisions, and translate global strategies into meaningful outcomes that strengthen our reputation and create positive impacts for patients and communities.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a 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 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 the executive level.
• Strong experience leading multi-country teams with accountability for performance and delivery.
• Expertise in media relations, reputation management, and crisis 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 understanding of AI’s impact on the external landscape.
• A degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred (Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field).

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the people who make it happen. The expected annual base salary range for this role is CHF 159,600 to CHF 296,400.

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, including relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with our pay-setting policy, which is reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus based on specific performance parameters.

Our rewards go beyond base pay and incentives. We offer a variety of competitive benefits to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Additionally, we provide flexible and hybrid working options where possible, along with a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

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

For more information about our global total rewards offering, please read our brochure: Novartis Life Handbook.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is dedicated to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, or need detailed information about the essential functions of this position, please contact us at diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis?

Helping people with diseases and their families takes more than innovative science. It requires a community of smart, passionate individuals like you, collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more about our culture.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.