Director, Corporate Affairs Academy

15 February 2026
100%
Basel (City)

Job summary

Join Novartis in Basel as Director, Corporate Affairs Academy. Shape the future of Corporate Affairs with a dynamic team.

Tasks

Define long-term capability strategy for Corporate Affairs globally.
Lead the Corporate Affairs Academy flagship program for development.
Develop high-impact learning experiences for core disciplines.

Skills

Bachelor's in Communications or related; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years in communications or training, preferably in pharma.
Expertise in modern learning design and digital ecosystems.

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About the job

Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Basel, Switzerland

This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

The Director, Corporate Affairs Academy is a critical enterprise leader responsible for shaping, in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, the long-term capability strategy for a global Corporate Affairs function. This role defines the expertise, mindsets, and behaviors Corporate Affairs professionals need to lead in a dynamic, stakeholder-driven environment — and builds the systems, experiences, and infrastructure that embed those capabilities across the function.

As the architect and driver of the Corporate Affairs Academy — the flagship program for capability building in Corporate Affairs — this leader transforms learning into a strategic lever for performance, reputation, and talent attraction. Through innovative design, measurable outcomes, and strong cross-functional partnership, the Director ensures Corporate Affairs operates as a world-class function equipped for the future.

About the Role

Key responsibilities

Set the long-term capability strategy for Corporate Affairs, in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, identifying the critical expertise, behaviors, and leadership capabilities required for the function to excel in a complex global environment.

Build and lead the Corporate Affairs Academy as the function’s flagship capability-building program, embedding learning into the operating model and ensuring development accelerates performance, readiness, and functional excellence.

Develop and scale a portfolio of high-impact learning experiences that strengthen core Corporate Affairs disciplines, embed new capabilities across global teams, and prepare the function for future challenges and opportunities.

Manage the digital experience, ensuring content is easily accessible and current.

Establish and track clear success metrics for capability development, using data, assessments, and feedback to measure effectiveness, guide continuous improvement, and demonstrate strategic value to leadership.

Curate and mobilize internal and external thought leadership to bring cutting-edge best practices into the function and position Corporate Affairs at the forefront of the profession.

Elevate the visibility and reputation of Corporate Affairs through capability-building initiatives that showcase functional excellence and attract top-tier talent.

Partner with People & Organization and global stakeholders to align capability-building priorities with enterprise frameworks, ensuring consistency, scalability, and operational impact.

Essential Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in, Communications, education or related field; advanced degree preferred

10+ years of experience in communications or training, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry, with a deep understanding of Corporate Affairs disciplines (e.g., communications, public affairs, marketing, engagement, issues management, reputation, insights, etc.), sufficient to shape relevant and credible development experiences

Demonstrated experience setting and owning a long‑term capability strategy for a complex, global function, with clear linkage to business performance and reputation outcomes

Proven ability to define critical expertise, mindsets, and behaviors required for future success and translate them into scalable learning systems and experiences

Strong track record designing, building and implementing an enterprise capability program paired with the experience establishing success metrics and impact measurement for learning and capability initiatives

Expertise in modern learning design, especially with a digital ecosystem

Ability to partner effectively with senior Corporate Affairs leaders and subject‑matter experts to co‑create content and serve as faculty or champions

Experience leveraging AI tools within a Corporate Affairs function, as well as applying AI‑enabled learning technologies to design and continuously improve the learner experience

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation:

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to E-Mail schreiben and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
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