Associate Director - Media Relations and Issues Management

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Media Relations & Issues Management is responsible for establishing and leading Novo Nordisk's strategic media relations programs to enhance visibility and reputation at local and national levels, position the company favorably with external audiences, and ensure public understanding of the company's mission and goals. The role identifies and addresses high-impact issues, creates strategic solutions to minimize negative impact, and serves as an official company spokesperson with potential to influence stakeholder perceptions. This position contributes to achievement of portfolio, pipeline and corporate objectives and works closely with senior leaders across the organization.

Responsibilities

• 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 proactive media relations programs as part of integrated communications planning to generate positive coverage across business, healthcare, financial and consumer press
  • Creates strategy to leverage new media to build awareness and shape stakeholder perceptions
  • Directs development of media strategies and key message platforms; prepares/coaches senior management for media interviews and external speaking opportunities; collaborates with reporters for accurate reporting
  • Leads communications excellence activities for leadership development within the USO via media training, storytelling, and crisis/issues management readiness
  • Ensures alignment with HQ on global issues and provides updates on key issues/crises/trends
  • Engages with leaders across USO Communications and enterprise to drive integrated planning and unified narratives across media, issues and crisis communications
• Measurement:
  • Contributes to developing integrated metrics demonstrating the value of media/issues communications to corporate reputation and business objectives
• Issues Management:
  • Assesses potential issues using market insights and media intelligence; devises plans to anticipate and mitigate issues; counsels senior leaders on response strategy
  • Serves as Media Relations lead for USO Crisis Response Teams as required
• Team Management:
  • Helps manage communications budgets; executes programs within budget; optimizes agency spend for value

Qualifications

• Required: A Bachelor‚Äôs degree from an accredited institution; Advanced degree preferred
• Required: At least 12 years of progressive communications or related experience (e.g., Public Relations, Media Relations)
• Preferred: Experience in a public relations agency and/or the pharmaceutical industry; experience in sales or another marketing function considered
• Required: Proven strategic planning, media relations and issues/crisis management skills
• Required: Demonstrated ability to create strategic direction and drive business improvement and results
• Required: Ability to work under tight timelines in a high-pressure environment
• Required: Business acumen with ability to coach and influence leaders across levels
• Required: Strong project management and stakeholder influence capabilities
• Required: Ability to work cross-functionally with global and regional considerations
• Required: Understanding of integrated media, social and digital platforms and strategies

Education

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree required; advanced degree preferred

Additional Requirements

• Physical/Travel: 10-20% overnight travel required