Communications and Patient Advocacy Lead

Band Level 5

Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid

Location:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada This role is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you. This job posting is for an existing position.

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend peoples' lives, and effective communication plays a critical role in bringing our strategy, culture, and purpose to life. As the Communications and Patient Advocacy Lead, you will be responsible for shaping and executing communication and engagement strategies that strengthen organizational alignment, enhance business performance, and reinforce Novartis’ reputation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, develop compelling communication programs, and foster meaningful engagement across diverse stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence culture, empower teams through effective communication, and drive business impact within a dynamic global organization.

• Develop and execute integrated communications and patient advocacy strategies aligned with business priorities and organizational objectives.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of communication campaigns, programs, and initiatives across the organization.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and support key business priorities, organizational initiatives, and change management efforts.
• Lead the planning and execution of internal and external communications programs, campaigns, and issues management activities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with patient organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare stakeholders, and industry partners to advance shared goals and improve the patient experience.
• Partner cross-functionally with medical, policy, market access, legal, compliance, and commercial teams to ensure coordinated stakeholder engagement and advocacy initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate patient insights into business strategies, communications, and engagement plans.
• Support the development and implementation of advocacy initiatives that help address barriers to care, diagnosis, treatment, and access.
• Ensure all communications and advocacy activities align with Novartis policies, compliance requirements, and industry standards.
• Leverage data, insights, and stakeholder feedback to measure impact and continuously improve communications and advocacy programs.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Proven experience developing and leading strategic communications and advocacy programs within a complex organization.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience supporting senior leaders and business functions.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and storytelling capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, communication channels, and projects while delivering measurable results.

• Experience with in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, or regulated industry environment.
• Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools, digital platforms, and data-driven insights to improve communications effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and business outcomes.

Expected Remuneration Range for role: CAD 128,

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

• We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as…