Director - Media Relations and Issues Management

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

The Director, Media Relations & Issues Management is accountable for establishing and leading Novo Nordisk's strategic media relations programs across key priorities to enhance the visibility and positive reputation of Novo Nordisk at the local and national levels, to position the company favorably among its key external audiences; and to ensure public understanding of the company's mission, business goals and philosophies. This position contributes to the achievement of portfolio, pipeline and corporate objectives, including attaining commercial goals, as well as improving and protecting Novo Nordisk's overall reputation.

This position is responsible for identifying and addressing issues of significant concern and complexity to the company, creating strategically sound solutions that will minimize negative impact on the company's business and reputation. As an official company spokesperson, the incumbent is in the public eye and has the potential to dramatically influence stakeholder perceptions.

Relationships

Reports to the Senior Director, Media & Stakeholder Relations, and interacts with senior leaders across all areas of Novo Nordisk US Operations (USO), including USO President/Executive Office, Commercial, Market Access and Public Affairs, Legal, Finance and Investor Relations, Clinical, Medical and Regulatory, plus other cross functional teams as needed. Key relationships in NN/AS include senior leaders across functions, including corporate and product communications. Key external relationships include national and local journalists (print and broadcast; trade; business and consumer media; bloggers); local and regional community leaders; select professional and patient/consumer third party groups; and public relations agencies.

This job is an influential individual contributor.

Essential Functions

• Media Relations:
  • Serves as a spokesperson for the company; establishes and maintains contact with key media targets at national and local levels. Anticipates and responds to media inquiries
  • Develops and drives a proactive media relations programs, as part of integrated communications planning, to generate positive coverage for Novo Nordisk USO in business, financial and consumer press, with PR agency support
  • Creates the strategy to leverage new media as a key channel to build awareness of the company and shape stakeholder perceptions in line with the Corporate Reputation strategy
  • Directs development of media strategies and key message platforms, prepares/coaches senior management for media interviews and external speaking opportunities; and works with reporters to ensure accurate media reporting
  • Leads communications excellence activities that contribute to leadership development within the USO LT via media training, storytelling, crisis/issues management readiness
  • Ensures alignment between key colleagues/teams in HQ to ensure US perspectives are included in global issues. Provides update to USO Comms LT on key issues/crises/trends
  • Engages with leaders across the USO Communications Department and partners with the Corporate Brand and Digital Communications team on integrated planning, strategizing in the creation of holistic content approaches supporting the reputation strategy and executive thought leadership program to position the Executive team among key media, driving business and reputational goals
• Measurement:
  • Contributes to developing metrics that demonstrate the value of communications back to corporate reputation/business objectives

• Issues Management:
  • Conducts assessment of potential issues facing the company; devises plans to anticipate and mitigate issues; and counsels senior leaders (USO, NN/AS, Sites across North America) on response strategy and public responses
  • Serves as Media Relations lead for USO Crisis Response Team
• Team Management:
  • Helps manage communications budgets; accountable for executing programs within budget parameters. Optimize agency spend by looking for opportunities to maximize value

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. Advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive communications or other relevant experience (e.g. Public Relations, Media Relations) required
• Experience in a public relations agency environment and/or the pharmaceutical industry preferred. Experience in sales or another marketing function will be considered
• Proven strategic planning, media relations and issues/crisis management skills are essential for this position
• Demonstrated success in creating strategic direction, plans and proven ability to drive and sustain business improvement and results
• Ability to work under tight timelines, in what can be a stressful environment with limited planning or preparation
• Ability to demonstrate business acumen and work across all levels of the business with the skills to coach and influence leaders
• Proven ability to effectively manage projects and influence individuals, teams and stakeholders
• Able to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment with global as well as regional considerations and, sometimes, political implications
• Proven understanding of integrated media, social and digital platforms and strategies

"Novo Nordisk is currently in the process of adjusting job titles globally. Please note that the job title listed in this advertisement may be subject to change. More detailed information will be provided during the recruitment process.”

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

We’re not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.

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.