Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs Communications & Engagement

Band

Level 5

 

Job Description Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

The Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs Communications & Engagement is a senior strategic leader responsible for aligning, informing, and inspiring our global Corporate Affairs function. This role sets the vision and delivers the communications and engagement strategy that enables Corporate Affairs teams worldwide to operate with clarity, unity, and purpose — maximizing the function’s impact on the company’s purpose, performance, and reputation.

Partnering closely with the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, and colleagues across the enterprise, the Director strengthens collaboration, accelerates execution of strategic priorities, and enables a high-performing, future-ready function. Through compelling narratives, flagship engagement platforms, and disciplined communications strategy, this leader ensures Corporate Affairs is connected, cohesive, and equipped to deliver exceptional value for the business and the patients we serve.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Set the vision and lead the global communications and engagement strategy for Corporate Affairs, delivering integrated programs that drive alignment, shape culture, and elevate functional performance.
• Curate and deliver flagship engagement platforms—including global town halls, leadership forums, and initiatives that strengthen the talent pipeline and build deep connection to our purpose—ensuring leaders and teams are aligned on priorities and equipped to act.
• Lead the function’s internal and external digital presence, ensuring a consistent, compelling narrative that supports strategic priorities, showcases functional excellence, and reinforces the company’s reputation.
• Serve as strategic communications counsel to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, developing high-impact messages and materials that inspire, influence, and mobilize key internal and external audiences.
• Provide selective support for external speaking engagements and social media for the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Partner across Corporate Affairs for Executive Committee communications alignment.
• Convene and facilitate leadership briefings on priority topics, ensuring clarity, coordination, and timely decision-making across the global Corporate Affairs network.
• Lead and support special projects that enhance functional performance, culture, and talent development, bringing structured execution and creative problem-solving to priority initiatives.

Essential Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in communications or a similar field
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) degree in in Business Communications, Journalism, marketing or similar
• Proven experience in developing and executing communication and engagement strategies, preferably in a corporate or agency setting.
• Strong understanding of change management principles and experience in designing and implementing change communication plans.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful communications for different audiences and channels.
• Experience in managing large-scale events and facilitating engaging and interactive briefings.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders, and monitor project progress.
• Knowledge of measurement and evaluation methodologies to assess the impact and effectiveness of communication and engagement efforts.

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 a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. 

 

Skills Desired