Associate Director, Neuromuscular, US Patient Advocacy

Band Level 5 Job Description Summary The Associate Director, Neuromuscular, US Patient Advocacy collaborates with relevant Neuromuscular patient communities (including but not limited to DMD, DM‑1, FSHD) to understand unmet needs that inform business strategy, mobilize and empower the patient community and those who care for them to seek the best care, and reduce access barriers. The role is ideally located in East Hanover, but remote work may be possible. If remote, all home‑office expenses and any travel/lodging for periodic live meetings will be the employee’s expense. Working hours and travel requirements will be defined by the hiring manager. Key Responsibilities Build and maintain trusted and strategic long‑term relationships with patient organizations and communities in relevant Neuromuscular disease areas. Identify the right patient organizations to drive strategic collaborations that educate and mobilize patients and elevate the patient voice to influence decision makers in the treatment journey. Execute integrated patient advocacy strategies aligned to critical business and corporate priorities based on 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 to shape the environment. Develop AI‑enabled educational programs 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 remaining fully compliant. Effectively manage budget and maximize agency ROI. Essential Requirements Bachelor’s degree required. 8+ years of experience in patient advocacy or related disciplines 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 organizations, 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 issues 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 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 offer will be based on experience and relevant skills. Compensation includes a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, possible eligibility for annual equity awards. US‑based employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a generous time‑off package (vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves). The company also offers a variety of other benefits and a supportive work environment. EEO Statement The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential. The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform essential functions of a position, please contact us via email at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and include the job requisition number in your message. #J-18808-Ljbffr U061 (FCRS = US002) Novartis Services, Inc.