Associate Director, US Local Public Affairs

About the role

The Associate Director, US Local Public Affairs leads the Local Public Affairs team in advancing Novo Nordisk's US manufacturing priorities by protecting current operations and enabling future site growth. The role collaborates with the USO Public Affairs team to develop and execute proactive local and state government affairs strategies focused on protecting manufacturing facilities and operations, which includes infrastructure, utilities, permitting, zoning, construction impacts, expansion incentive negotiations, and relevant regulations. It also leads external issues management in partnership with site leadership and internal functions to anticipate risks, support incident response, and ensure consistent stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy and execute local government affairs priorities across US GMS sites to reduce risk and support operations and business growth
• Lead and develop the local public affairs team by setting expectations, managing performance, and building succession strength
• Manage the site external affairs operating model, including planning, priorities, KPIs, and budget/vendor oversight
• Guide alliance-building with business, industry, education, and community partners to support workforce, infrastructure, and reputation goals
• Lead engagement with government stakeholders to build understanding of Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing priorities and community impact
• Own the stakeholder engagement model and maintain senior relationships with key local county and town officials and decision-makers
• Mitigate issues that delay, prevent, or stop construction permitting, zoning, infrastructure planning, and other construction-related engagement with local authorities and internal teams
• Own the community engagement and investment strategy to strengthen the sites’ reputation and social license to operate
• Lead economic development and incentives efforts that support site expansion, sustainability, and cross-functional execution
• Provide stakeholder intelligence and risk/opportunity insights to help leadership prioritize decisions and engagement
• Cover coordination with USO Public Affairs and enterprise partners to ensure aligned messaging and a consistent, responsible state public affairs approach
• Oversee lobbying and advocacy on manufacturing priorities while ensuring compliance with ethics, registration, and reporting requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Government, Public Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field of study required; advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive experience in local/state/federal government affairs, public affairs, external affairs, or related roles supporting large, complex operations required; manufacturing/industrial environment preferred
• A minimum of five (5) years of direct people leadership experience (or demonstrated success leading through a matrix), including setting priorities, coaching talent, and driving consistent execution across multiple stakeholders required
• Experience engaging agencies and officials on site operations issues (e.g., permitting, zoning, utilities, infrastructure, emergency services, construction impacts, and incentives) required
• Strong analytical judgment to assess developments and provide clear actions and leadership updates required
• Working knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes and how public affairs supports manufacturing operations and expansion required
• Ability to set strategy, establish governance, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver outcomes required
• Ability to lead external issues management, including scenario planning and incident response communications required
• Coalition-building and alliance development experience across business, industry, education, and community partners required
• Strong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills with diverse stakeholders required
• Commitment to integrity and compliance, including lobbying and ethics requirements required
• Executive presence and strong advocacy and communication skills required

Qualifications

• Healthcare, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industrial environment experience preferred required
• Action-oriented and resilient, with ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities required
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build credibility and influence across audiences required