Director, US Cardiovascular & Metabolic (CVM) Communications

Novartis • East Hanover, NJ

19h

About The Position

The Director, CVM Communications, leads the development and execution of high-impact, above-brand communications strategies for Novartis’ Cardiovascular & Metabolic (CVM) Therapeutic Area in the United States. This role is responsible for shaping compelling, insight-driven storytelling that drives a positive reputation for Novartis as a leader in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, galvanizes key external stakeholders, and shapes the healthcare ecosystem in support of the current and future CVM portfolio. A critical focus of this role is advancing narratives and partnerships that enable cardiovascular prevention at scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of experience in communications with significant prior experience in brand communications disciplines
• Management of agency partners and budget
• Crisis and issues management
• Pharmaceutical experience required
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and collaborative mindset
• Ability to effectively analyze audience and market data to inform strategic communication thinking
• Ability to understand and predict the impact of communications strategies on organizational goals
• Excellent communications abilities including storytelling, writing and presentation skills
• Expertise in managing and implementing integrated (multi-audience, multi-channel) communication plans, campaigns and projects against business objectives and priorities, and measure effectiveness of efforts
• Ability to multi-task and manage complex issues into simple effective solutions
• Ability to influence and adapt within a dynamic and ambiguous environment
• Ability to lead across diverse set of matrixed cross-functional partners and leaders
• Ability to prioritize and maximize time and resource

Responsibilities

• Lead and build integrated, above-brand CVM communications strategies grounded in a deep understanding of the cardiovascular and metabolic disease landscape, healthcare system dynamics, and evolving communications trends
• Own and evolve the CVM therapeutic area narrative, ensuring consistent, insight-driven storytelling that positions Novartis as a leader in innovation, prevention, and long-term cardiovascular impact
• Provide strategic communications oversight for CVM brands, with particular focus on pipeline assets and therapeutic area shaping to support future portfolio success
• Serve as a senior strategic partner to cross-functional leaders across Medical, Commercial, Market Access, Policy, R&D, and Patient Advocacy to identify where communications can drive the greatest reputational and enterprise impact
• Shape and influence the external CVM ecosystem by building strong relationships and partnerships with influential external audiences
• Model and encourage the responsible adoption of AI‑enabled tools to strengthen communications excellence, efficiency, and strategic insight.
• Leverage AEO/GEO AI strategies to ensure CV prevention themes are accurately represented across AI-powered search and answer engines, including optimizing content for discoverability, accuracy, and authority across earned and owned comms strategies
• Drive thought-leadership strategies that elevate Novartis’ voice and perspective in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, including disease awareness, prevention, and future-focused innovation narratives
• Collaborate closely with Corporate Communications, Policy, Patient Advocacy, and Social Impact teams to develop and execute integrated programs that advance CVM priorities, including CVM-related community and social impact initiatives
• Anticipate, assess, and manage reputational risk across the CVM portfolio and pipeline; proactively counsel senior leaders on issues, opportunities, and external dynamics impacting Novartis’ standing in CVM
• Counsel senior management on internal and external communications approaches that support long-term portfolio readiness, therapeutic area leadership, and ecosystem credibility
• Establish clear objectives and measurement approaches to evaluate communications effectiveness and continuously optimize strategy and execution
• Manage communications budgets and agency partners to maximize impact, efficiency, and return on investment while operating fully within legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements

Benefits

• health, life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director