Scientific Communications Business Alignment Director (Plainsboro, NJ, US)

About the Department

The Clinical, Medical and Regulatory (CMR) department at Novo Nordisk is one of the most diverse and collaborative groups within the organization. From healthcare provider interactions and developing and implementing regulatory strategies with the FDA to providing medical education and collecting data to support efficacy and new product development, CMR is involved. The one thing that keeps us all marching to the same beat is our patient centered focus. At Novo Nordisk, you will help patients around the world. As their needs evolve, so does our challenge to find better and more innovative ways to improve their quality of life. We’re changing lives for a living. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

The Director, Scientific Communications Business Alignment serves as a strategic advisor and operating partner to the Head of Scientific Communications and as a member of the Scientific Communications leadership team. The role translates Medical Affairs strategy into clear priorities, governance, operating plans and measurable outcomes; integrates work across the function; and enables timely, high-quality leadership decisions. The Director leads functional planning, portfolio and performance management, resource coordination, organizational effectiveness and priority cross-functional initiatives while maintaining appropriate accountability with functional leaders.

Relationships

Reports to the Head of Scientific Communications. Scope of work spans Medical Affairs Scientific Communications and requires frequent interaction with senior leaders and collaboration across U.S. and global organizations. Key stakeholders include Scientific Communications functional leaders and teams, Medical Affairs leadership, Field Medical, CDSE, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Safety, Legal, Compliance, Commercial, Finance, Human Resources, Procurement and Enterprise Strategy and Operations. Global stakeholders include Global Medical Affairs, Scientific Communications, Medical Information, Publications, Medical Education and relevant development and product teams. External relationships may include consultants, agencies, technology and data providers, professional societies and other healthcare organizations.

Essential Functions

Partner with the Head of Scientific Communications to define and advance Medical Affairs’ strategy, priorities and multi-year roadmap in alignment with enterprise objectives

Manage the annual operating plan, governance model, leadership cadence and mechanisms that translate strategy into accountable execution and measurable business impact

Provide objective analysis and recommendations on strategic and operating issues using internal data, external benchmarks, stakeholder input and knowledge of pharmaceutical and Medical Affairs trends

Supports Head of Scientific Communications in functional transformation and continuous improvement, including fit-for-purpose processes, digital capabilities, analytics, technology platforms and scalable ways of working across Scientific Communications

Coordinate cross-functional planning within Medical Affairs and with relevant business partners to align scientific communication priorities, dependencies and stakeholder engagement within applicable standards and compliance requirements

Orchestrate the Scientific Communications leadership agenda, decision forums and follow-through; frame decisions, document actions and ensure timely resolution of priorities, risks and dependencies

Lead integrated portfolio planning across Scientific Communications capabilities, establishing transparent prioritization, milestones, accountabilities and escalation pathways while functional leaders retain ownership of content and delivery

Lead functional resource, capacity and budget planning in partnership with Finance and functional leaders; assess trade-offs and recommend investments aligned with strategic priorities

Own the Scientific Communications performance framework, including meaningful objectives, metrics, dashboards and reviews that surface insights and drive corrective action

Represent the Head of Scientific Communications, as delegated, in governance bodies, steering committees and cross-functional initiatives; communicate decisions and ensure appropriate follow-through

Anticipate and coordinate responses to high-priority requests directed to the Head of Scientific Communications, synthesizing input into concise recommendations, briefings and executive-ready materials

Partner with Human Resources and functional leaders on organizational design, workforce and succession planning, capability development, change management, culture and employee communications

Serve as an integrator across Scientific Communications leaders, teams and stakeholders, strengthening information flow, resolving cross-functional barriers and enabling timely, evidence-based decisions

Lead high-priority special projects and ensure functional operations comply with applicable policies, procedures, governance expectations and standards for quality, ethics and compliance

Physical Requirements

20-30% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in life sciences or a related field required; MBA Highly preferred

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including Medical Affairs strategy, operations, or a related function; prior people or team leadership experience preferred

Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, Medical Affairs, scientific communication disciplines, product development and the legal, regulatory and compliance environment

Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into operating plans, priorities, governance and disciplined follow-through

Strong judgment and learning agility, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify risks, resolve ambiguity and escalate issues appropriately

Demonstrated success leading complex portfolios and cross-functional initiatives, including prioritization, resource planning, budget stewardship, risk management and delivery in local and global matrix environments

Exceptional executive communication, facilitation, stakeholder management and change leadership skills, with the credibility to influence senior leaders and subject-matter experts without direct authority

Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific, business and operational information into clear recommendations, decisions and executive-ready communications

Demonstrated ability to build alignment, manage competing priorities and influence effectively in a matrixed, global organization

Advanced proficiency in business productivity, portfolio management, collaboration, analytics and reporting tools

Ability to balance strategic and near-term priorities, manage multiple complex initiatives and deliver high-quality outcomes under tight timelines

The base compensation range for this position is $187,100 to $327,500. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy and parental leave policy.

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

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

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.

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