Associate Director - Commercial Communications

About the Department         

The Communications Department brings the value of Novo Nordisk medicines and innovations to life through strategic communications that elevate our purpose, drive our business, foster our culture and enhance our reputation with patients, customers, employees and society in the US.  Communications is comprised of four distinct yet synergistic teams that work collaboratively with a focus on proactive and progressive approaches to:  Corporate Reputation & Brand; Commercial Communications; Enterprise & Leadership Communications; and Digital Channels & Content.  We provide objective strategic communications counsel, an ability to flex with shifting organizational priorities and emerging needs and a strong focus on ethics and discretion with the sensitive information we are entrusted with.  As part of Team Novo Nordisk, you will have an opportunity to work with extraordinary, energizing and diverse talent where your distinct perspectives and expertise are valued as we work together to change lives for the better.

The Position

This position is accountable for developing and executing holistic, integrated communications plans for major brand, disease state and pipeline products within Novo Nordisk Inc. Responsible for planning and implementation for product communications, external marketing/sponsorship programs, internal communications and select corporate image enhancement opportunities targeting key external stakeholders. Works with the broader NNI Communications team to ensure brand or portfolio communications plans include external and internal activities. Serves as a strategic consultant to pipeline and in-market brand teams and leadership, actively participates in extended brand teams, provides strategic communications counsel and direction and directs the efforts of teams at public relations agencies for the purpose of ensuring successful program execution.

Relationships

Reports to the Director, Commercial Communications. The position will interact with cross-functional management within NNI, including Commercial Strategy and Marketing, Market Access, CMR, Legal and Public Affairs. This position will also engage with various functions within NN/AS. Key external relationships include patients and key opinion leaders, third-party advocacy organizations, media, public relations agencies and vendors.

Essential Functions

• Commercial Communications
  • Accountable for development and implementation of proactive communications and public relations strategies to support the business goals and strategies of Novo Nordisk. Includes brand-building, market development and market- shaping initiatives for priority brands. Programming can include brand-building, market development and market- shaping initiatives for priority areas in diabetes or obesity
  • Develops short and long-term strategic functional plans for marketed brands within Commercial Strategy and Marketing, as well as the pipeline, when necessary
  • Works with the Media Relations lead to drive positive media coverage for Novo Nordisk in business, financial and consumer press to enhance visibility of company and its brands in coordination with NNI Communications
  • Develops key message platforms, prepares/coaches management for media interviews and external speaking opportunities; and works with reporters to shape/influence story coverage
  • Implements marketing sponsorships tied directly to brands and Novo Nordisk
  • Ensures patient ambassadors are included in create meaningful programs, branded and non-branded, for Novo Nordisk
  • Works collaboratively across the NNI Communications Team to develop and implement internal communication plans and publicize business milestones more broadly within NNI
  • Ensures all programming is done compliantly, with close partnerships with legal, regulatory, compliance and medical
  • Oversees project budget and accountable for staying within parameters
  • Oversees or directs the activities of external public relations agencies
• Pipeline Communications
  • Accountable for the development and implementation of communications programs and public relations strategies for pipeline opportunities pre- and post-launch, including directing U.S. media and advocacy strategies for FDA advisory committee meetings
  • Proactively develops and implements communications programs to enhance awareness of pipeline among external and internal stakeholders including media, physicians, patients, caregivers, advocacy and employees among others

• Issues Management
  • Serves as the subject matter expert to NNI Communications in developing effective communication plans for the issue business owner
• Measurement
  • Charts progress and adjusts plans/tactics, accordingly, Holds agencies accountable for delivering on measurement targets
  • Accountable for executing programs within budget parameters, directing the activities of external public relations agencies
  • Establishes and follows through meaningful and measurable objectives for programs that are aligned with business goals

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, English or a related discipline required
• Minimum of 10 years of communications, public relations or relevant commercial experience, including within the pharmaceutical industry required
• Experience in managing and working within a public relations agency environment preferred
• Ability to counsel and coach executives for internal and external communication needs
• Ability to work under tight timelines, in what can be a stressful environment with limited planning or preparation
• Able to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment with global as well as regional considerations and, sometimes, political implications
• Proven strategic planning, media relations and issues/crisis management skills are essential for this position
• Strong communicator with ability to negotiate, persuade and counsel effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management as well as with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Understanding of social media platforms and digital strategies

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.