Associate Media Relations and Issues Management Director

BioSpace; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 153,000 - 267,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk USO seeks a Director, Media Relations & Issues Management to lead strategic media relations across local and national levels, protecting and enhancing the company's reputation.

You will coach executives, manage crisis planning, collaborate with HQ and cross-functional teams, and guide proactive content and thought leadership initiatives.

This role requires 12+ years of experience in communications, a Bachelor's (advanced degree preferred), and 10–20% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in communications or related fields.
• Experience in PR agency or pharmaceutical industry preferred.
• Proven ability to plan strategically and influence leaders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as spokesperson and establish media contact at national and local levels.
• Develop proactive media relations programs to generate positive coverage.
• Lead crisis and issues management planning and response.
• Coach senior management for media interviews.
• Coordinate with HQ and USO Comms LT on content and leadership communication.
• Manage budgets and optimize agency spend.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder influencing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

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.

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

Compensation and Benefits

The base compensation range for this position is $153,000 to $267,000. 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Company Values

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.