Communications & Patient Advocacy Manager (fixed-term contract)

Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Location: Milan, Italy Relocation Support: This role is based in Milan, Italy. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible. Please note: Closing date for applications is 2 weeks from date of posting If you are passionate about shaping meaningful conversations that improve lives, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. As Communications & Patient Advocacy Manager for the Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, you will lead innovative, digital-first communications and advocacy initiatives that elevate disease awareness, strengthen trust, and amplify patient voices. Partnering closely with internal teams, external stakeholders, media, and patient communities, you will translate scientific progress and insights into compelling, compliant storytelling that resonates in a fast-evolving landscape. This is role is offering the chance to combine strategic thinking, creativity, and purpose—driving integrated communications that support both patients and the business.   Job Description Key Responsibilities Lead integrated Cardiovascular therapeutic area communications and patient advocacy strategies aligned to patient and business impact Design and deliver digital-first omnichannel campaigns across brand, disease awareness, and patient engagement initiatives Build proactive media relations plans and deliver congress communications, briefings, and reactive support as needed Own strategy for websites, social media, and newsletters, ensuring consistent messaging, governance, and approvals Use analytics and key performance indicators to optimize performance and make agile, insight-led decisions Develop compliant partnerships with patient groups and co-create initiatives that empower and mobilize communities Advise cross-functional teams, shaping coherent internal and external narratives and strengthening stakeholder alignment Manage agencies, vendors, budgets, and documentation to ensure operational excellence, transparency, and compliance Essential Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in communications, public affairs, or a related discipline Proven experience delivering digital‑first, omnichannel communications within a pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare environment, spanning brand, disease awareness, and patient engagement initiatives Strong digital and content strategy expertise, including social media, corporate and campaign websites, newsletters, and integrated omnichannel campaign execution in highly regulated settings Solid experience managing media relations, public relations activities, and external agency partnerships, including working within medical, legal, and compliance frameworks Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams (e.g., Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Market Access, Corporate Affairs) and influence a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders High proficiency in written and spoken English, with a strong ability to translate complex scientific, medical, and regulatory topics into clear, credible, and engaging narratives   Skills Desired Communication Medium, Corporate Communication, Creativity, Internal Communications (Ic), Interviewing Skills, Marketing, Media Campaigns, Media Relations, Multimedia, Social Media