Novartis Posted August 19, 2026

Director, International Policy Communications

Basel (City), Switzerland Regular
Communications & Public Affairs Director

Novartis is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.

About this opportunity

Director, International Policy Communications#LI-HybridLocation: Basel, SwitzerlandThis is a unique opportunity to shape the global policy conversation at Novartis. As Director, International Policy Communications, you will sit at the intersection of policy, public affairs and communications, translating complex global healthcare, regulatory and access topics into clear, credible and impactful narratives. You will drive a cohesive international policy communications strategy, influencing policymakers, industry stakeholders and opinion leaders while strengthening Novartis’ reputation across key markets. If you are motivated by high-impact work, thrive in a global and matrixed environment, and enjoy turning complexity into clarity, this role offers the platform to make a meaningful difference at scale.

Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and evolve the global policy communications strategy aligned with enterprise and Public Affairs priorities.Shape and govern integrated policy narratives that strengthen Novartis’ positioning across international markets.Translate complex policy, regulatory, and access dynamics into strategic narratives that influence external stakeholders.Design scalable global frameworks, toolkits, and messaging architectures to enable consistent local execution.Drive enterprise-wide preparedness through scenario planning and strategic policy communications response strategies.Orchestrate cross-functional alignment with Public Affairs, Value and Access, Patient Advocacy and Communications leaders.Harness data, insights and artificial intelligence to inform strategy and enhance predictive communications capabilities.Serve as the central strategic integrator, ensuring coherence, discipline and impact across regions and policy ecosystems.Essential RequirementsExtensive experience in policy communications, public affairs, or corporate communications within multinational organisationsProven track record at Director level, with tangible examples of impact and deliveryDeep expertise in the geopolitical landscape, with strong knowledge across Europe Additional experience in APMA/other regions considered a strong advantageAI fluency in day-to-day execution and efficiency, as well as understanding of AI impact on external landscapeData-driven mindset with experience leveraging insights and artificial intelligence to inform communications strategyDemonstrated success working across highly matrixed, international environments with diverse stakeholder groupsStrong stakeholder management and influencing skills across Public Affairs, Communications and senior business leadersBenefits & RewardsAt Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 137,900 CHF to 256,100 CHF  The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.   In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.  Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.   Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:  https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process. Commitment to Diversity and InclusionNovartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve. Accessibility and accommodationNovartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.Barrierefreiheit und ZugänglichkeitWenn Sie aufgrund einer Erkrankung oder Behinderung spezielle Unterstützung während des Rekrutierungsprozesses brauchen und/oder deswegen detailliertere Informationen über die wesentlichen Funktionen einer Stelle benötigen, senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com und teilen Sie uns die Art Ihres Anliegens und Ihre Kontaktinformationen mit. Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, dabei die Referenznummer der Stellenausschreibung anzugeben

Job details

Seniority
Director
Function
Communications & Public Affairs
Therapeutic area
Not listed
Location
Basel (City), Switzerland
Employment type
Regular

How this role compares

Computed from every other active Communications & Public Affairs role in our database, not just this employer's listings.

We currently track 17 comparable Director Communications & Public Affairs roles across 11 biopharma companies.

17Comparable roles tracked
17Currently active
11Companies hiring similar roles
8Countries represented

Salary context

7 of 17 peers report a salary range (USD, annualized)

Peers share this role's job function and a matching or adjacent seniority level -- not necessarily the same therapeutic area or country.

This roleSubject Not listed on this posting
Highest disclosed · Senior Director, Internal & Employee Communications · Gilead Sciences, Inc. $243,100/yr – $314,600/yr
Peer group range $241,313 – $278,850 (median $258,800)

Where these roles are based

Top locations among the 17 comparable roles

United States10
Belgium1
Singapore1
Japan1
Spain1
China1

+ 2 more countries

Seniority mix

17 of 17 peers have a known seniority level

Director10
Senior Director6
Principal1

Therapeutic area mix

1 of 17 peers have a known therapeutic area; the rest are genuinely unlabeled, not hidden

Immunology1

Similar opportunities

The closest matches from our peer group, ranked by how similar they are, not how well you'd qualify for them -- treat this as market context, not a guaranteed shortlist; a weak match is labeled as one below.

45%similar
Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City, United States Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City, United States Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
SA BMS Belgium NV Braine L'Alleud, Belgium Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
GlaxoSmithKline LLC Upper Providence, United States Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
Amgen USA Inc. Singapore, Singapore Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
Novartis Washington, DC, United States Director
Same function Same seniority

Notify me about similar jobs

Get an email when we spot other openings like this one – same job function, comparable seniority, roles you'd actually want to see.

How we calculate "similar"

No black box, no LLM guesswork: a deterministic score built from four normalized attributes. Here's this role's own peer group at different match levels, so you can see the mechanism, not just the result.

Every comparison starts from the same 100-point budget: 25 for working in the same function, 40 for the same therapeutic area, 20 for the same or adjacent seniority, 15 for the same country. A dimension we can't confirm on both sides contributes nothing, never a guess, never a free pass.

45%
Director, Corporate Storytelling and Editorial Strategy
Gilead Sciences, Inc. · Foster City, United States · Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
45%
Director, Communications & Government Affairs Product & Pipeline
GlaxoSmithKline LLC · Upper Providence, United States · Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
45%
Director, Policy
Novartis · 本社, Japan · Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
45%
Director, Patient Advocacy – Immunology & Autoimmune Cell Therapy
E.R. Squibb & Sons,L.L.C. · Remote, United States · Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
Unmatched or unknown dimensions score exactly the same: 0 points, never a partial guess. A role we know almost nothing about beyond its function bottoms out at 25%; it never inflates to 100% just because there's little to compare against. Seniority uses a defined ladder (Associate → Manager → Associate Director → Senior → Principal → Director → Senior Director → Executive/VP) so "Director" and "Senior Director" count as adjacent, but "Director" and "Executive/VP" do not.