Associate Director, Neuromuscular, US Patient Advocacy

Key Responsibilities Build and maintain trusted and strategic long‑term relationships with patient organisations and communities in relevant Neuromuscular disease areas (including but not limited to DMD, DM‑1, FSHD), centred on two‑way communications and collaborations to advance shared priorities. Identify the right patient organisations to drive strategic collaborations and partnerships that help educate and mobilise patients to seek optimal care and to elevate the patient voice in informing decision‑makers in the patient treatment journey, including HCPs, policymakers and payers. Execute integrated patient advocacy strategies aligned to critical business and corporate priorities based on a deep understanding of the patient/care partner experience and unmet needs. Ensure patient/care partner insights and implications for launch and growth brands are systematically actioned across corporate affairs and with cross‑functional partners. Stay abreast of key environmental and policy issues impacting the company’s ability to operate and pre‑emptively drive initiatives and build relationships to shape the environment. Develop AI‑enabled educational programmes and resources that address unmet patient and caregiver needs and drive business objectives. Monitor and evaluate performance to achieve and maintain best‑in‑class outcomes, while staying fully compliant. Effectively manage budget and maximise agency ROI. Essential Requirements Bachelor’s degree required. 8+ years of experience in patient advocacy or a related discipline with a healthcare and/or pharmaceutical background; prior experience in neuromuscular and rare disease areas preferred. 1‑2 years in an industry patient advocacy role required. Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with patient organisations, professional associations and other stakeholders. Commercial launch experience. Development and implementation of integrated plans and projects against business objectives and priorities. Influencing and navigating complexity. Management of agency partners and budget. Crisis and issue management. Desirable Requirements Understanding of US policy, regulatory and compliance landscape. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent people and communication skills. Ability to influence across a diverse set of matrix cross‑functional partners. Business acumen, critical thinking and a collaborative enterprise mindset. Ability to multi‑task and manage complex issues. Ability to operate within a dynamic and ambiguous environment while maintaining integrity. Benefits & Rewards The salary for this position is expected to range between $126,000 and $234,000 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis it will be reviewed periodically. Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. #J-18808-Ljbffr Novartis Pharma Schweiz