Summer Student, Communications & Patient Advocacy

Job Description Summary

Location: Montreal, #LI-Hybrid
From May 4 to August 28, 2026 - 17 weeks
Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role; please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

About the role
We’re looking for a curious, driven student ready to explore the world of corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement at Novartis Canada. This internship offers a chance to gain hands-on experience inside one of the world’s leading innovative medicines companies. Guided by seasoned professionals, you’ll contribute to projects spanning social media, web content, internal communications, event planning, media relations, reporting and stakeholder mapping. It’s an opportunity to learn by doing, immersing yourself in meaningful work that shapes how we connect with patients, partners and communities. If you’re proactive, passionate about communications and eager to develop skills that matter, this role is your gateway to making an impact where it counts: improving the lives of patients and their families.

 

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Assist in the development of a wide array of written and visual communications materials, including newsletters, internal and external website updates, digital screens, articles, social media posts, videos, media lists, fact sheets, executive briefings and more. Support in asset go-live across various platforms.

• Participate in management of social media channels, seeing the behind-the-scenes of content creation, activity monitoring, performance metrics and analysis.

• Update and monitor cross-functional content calendar to ensure alignment and the execution of planned activities and extract data points and support in compiling relevant reports and provide administrative support as needed.

• Support in the planning and execution of key internal and external events, including run of shows, briefs, event logistics, video and photography preparation, post-event surveys and more.

• Assist in stakeholder mapping and maintain contact lists for patient organizations.

• Support planning and logistics for advisory boards, forums and advocacy events.

  • Contribute to data collection and analysis for patient insights and engagement metrics.

  • Ensure documentation aligns with compliance and governance standards.

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

• Ability to work in hybrid model – including 3 times per week in the office (May-August).

• Strong writing and editing skills in English (French would be considered an asset).

• Language & Level: French basic - English advanced

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities; capable of effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different locations.

• Organized with the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently. Self-motivated, proactive and creative in approach to project execution. Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities.

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