Director, International Patient Advocacy

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.

About the Role

Key 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
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 E-Mail auf novartis.com ansehen 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 E-Mail auf novartis.com ansehen und teilen Sie uns die Art Ihres Anliegens und Ihre Kontaktinformationen mit. Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, dabei die Referenznummer der Stellenausschreibung anzugeben

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
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