Director - Media Relations & Issues Management

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 and Stakeholder Relations is accountable for establishing and leading Novo Nordisk's strategic media relations program 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 and corporate objectives, including attaining sales goals and improving 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 the company's primary 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 NNI, including NNI President/Executive Office, Commercial, Market Access and Public Affairs, Legal, Finance and Investor Relations, CMR, Regulatory and other cross functional teams as needed.

 

Key relationships in NN/AS include senior leaders, corporate communications, product communications, and corporate branding.

 

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 chief 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 program to generate positive coverage for NNI 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 shape/influence story coverage
  • Leads communications excellence activities that contribute to leadership development within the NNI 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 NNI Comms LT on key issues/crises/trends
  • Engages with leaders across the NNI Communications Department and partners with the Corporate Brand and Digital Communications