Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs Engagement & Programs

Band

Level 5

 

Job Description Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

The Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs Engagement & Programs leads and supports high-impact initiatives that strengthen the associate experience, build community, and reinforce operational excellence across the Corporate Affairs function. This role owns the delivery of flagship programs — including the Summer Internship Program and Corporate Affairs Onboarding — ensuring each is executed with excellence and delivers measurable value for the function.

Beyond programs, the Senior Manager acts as a strategic executor for priority projects and operational processes, providing disciplined project management, clear coordination, and structured follow-through on behalf of the Chief of Staff’s Office. The ideal candidate combines creativity, organizational rigor, and strong cross-functional partnership to translate ideas into well-run initiatives and impactful outcomes.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Summer Internship Program, delivering a world-class early-talent experience that attracts future leaders, builds advocacy for Corporate Affairs, and strengthens the function’s long-term talent pipeline.

• Create and execute a cohesive and inspiring onboarding experience that accelerates new-employee integration, builds connection to our purpose, and sets a strong foundation for new joiners’ success.

• Support the design and delivery of capability-building initiatives, contributing project management, coordination, and execution support that helps bring learning programs to life and strengthen the function’s core capabilities.

• Coordinate the annual award and recognition program, ensuring a smooth end-to-end process — from nominations through to communications and event execution — that celebrates excellence and reinforces our culture.

• Develop high-quality content and communications that promote engagement, build awareness, and elevate the visibility of Corporate Affairs programs and initiatives.

• Track, measure, and report on program impact, applying data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate business value.

• Support the Corporate Affairs operating rhythm, contributing disciplined project management and coordination to ensure planning cycles, reporting routines, and leadership engagements run smoothly and drive alignment.

• Identify and implement process improvements that simplify execution, enhance collaboration, and strengthen the associate experience.

• Provide structured execution support for cross-functional initiatives and special projects, helping translate priorities into clear plans and ensuring high-quality delivery on behalf of the Chief of Staff’s Office.

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