About the role

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This role is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
This job posting is for an existing position.

About the Role

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives, and effective communication plays a critical role in bringing our strategy, culture, and purpose to life. As the Communications and Patient Advocacy Lead, you will be responsible for shaping and executing communication and engagement strategies that strengthen organizational alignment, enhance business performance, and reinforce Novartis' reputation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, develop compelling communication programs, and foster meaningful engagement across diverse stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to influence culture, empower teams through effective communication, and drive business impact within a dynamic global organization.

Job Description

Develop and execute integrated communications and patient advocacy strategies aligned with business priorities and organizational objectives.
Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of communication campaigns, programs, and initiatives across the organization
Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and support key business priorities, organizational initiatives, and change management efforts.
Lead the planning and execution of internal and external communications programs, campaigns, and issues management activities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with patient organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare stakeholders, and industry partners to advance shared goals and improve the patient experience.
Partner cross-functionally with medical, policy, market access, legal, compliance, and commercial teams to ensure coordinated stakeholder engagement and advocacy initiatives.
Identify opportunities to incorporate patient insights into business strategies, communications, and engagement plans.
Support the development and implementation of advocacy initiatives that help address barriers to care, diagnosis, treatment, and access.
Ensure all communications and advocacy activities align with Novartis policies, compliance requirements, and industry standards.
Leverage data, insights, and stakeholder feedback to measure impact and continuously improve communications and advocacy programs.

Essential Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or a related field
Proven experience developing and leading strategic communications and advocacy programs within a complex organization
Strong stakeholder management skills with experience supporting senior leaders and business functions
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and storytelling capabilities
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, communication channels, and projects while delivering measurable results

Desirable Requirements

Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, or regulated industry environment
Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools, digital platforms, and data-driven insights to improve communications effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and business outcomes.

Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Remuneration Range for role:

CAD 128,240 - 178,027

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.

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.

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. A full overview of your compensation package applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

At Novartis Canada, we are determined to be a valued partner and advocate, with a deep understanding of patient needs along the entire care journey – from drug development, to diagnosis, to access and beyond. Part of the way we are doing this is by leveraging data, technology, and partnerships.

Research & Development: we focus on four core therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolic, Immunology, Neuroscience and Oncology. We also develop and deliver treatments through other promoted and established brands, which today are helping millions of patients. Over the last three years, our average annual research and development investment in Canada was over $30 million, and we conduct clinical trial research in every region throughout Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse team’s representatives of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Business Communications, Communication, Communication Medium (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Employee Engagement, Internal Communications (Ic) (Inactive), Marketing, Media Relations, Multimedia (Inactive), Photography, Social Media, Strategic Communication Planning, W3 (Inactive)

Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
•The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
•Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

•Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
•High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
•Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

•Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
•The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
•Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Novartis

Novartis

novartis.com

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Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.