Director - Media Relations and Issues Management

Role Summary

Director - Media Relations and 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, and to ensure public understanding of the company's mission, business goals and philosophies. This role contributes to the achievement of portfolio, pipeline and corporate objectives, including attaining commercial goals, as well as improving and protecting the company's overall reputation. It also involves identifying and addressing high-priority issues, crafting strategies to minimize negative impact, and acting as an official company spokesperson.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations: serves as a spokesperson, maintains media contacts, anticipates and responds to inquiries, develops proactive media relations programs, leverages new media, directs media strategies and message platforms, coaches senior management for interviews, leads crisis readiness, and aligns US perspectives with global issues.
• Measurement: contributes to developing metrics that demonstrate value of communications to corporate reputation and business objectives.
• Issues Management: assesses potential issues, devises mitigation plans, counsels senior leaders on response strategies, and leads as Media Relations lead for USO Crisis Response Team.
• Team Management: helps manage budgets and optimizes agency spend to maximize value.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor‚Äôs degree is required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive communications or related experience
• Experience in public relations agency environment and/or pharmaceutical industry preferred; sales/marketing experience considered
• Proven strategic planning, media relations and issues/crisis management skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic direction and business results
• Ability to work under tight timelines and in high-pressure environments
• Strong business acumen with ability to coach and influence leaders
• Proven project management and stakeholder influence abilities
• Ability to work cross-functionally with global and regional considerations; understanding of integrated media and digital platforms

Skills

• Strategic communications planning
• Media relations and crisis management
• Public speaking and media coaching
• Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
• Digital and social media strategy

Education

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree required; advanced degree preferred

Additional Requirements

• 10-20% overnight travel required