Principal, Media Affairs & Employer Reputation

About The Department

At Novo Nordisk, we want to make a difference. For more than 100 years, we have led the way in diabetes care. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. In NC, we operate three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are responsible for fulfilling different steps in our injectable and oral treatment supply chains. Our Product Supply Aseptic Manufacturing (PS AM) facility in Clayton, NC is a 457,000 square foot aseptic "fill and finish" site that is responsible for producing innovative, injectable diabetes and obesity treatments. At PS AM, you’ll join a global network of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for shaping and leading the US Global Manufacturing & Supply (GMS) local media relations, employer brand and reputation activities, communications issues management, external stakeholder relations with media and social influencers in each state and local media market where Novo Nordisk operates a manufacturing facility. This position works collaboratively with communication colleagues at USO and Global on a variety of integrated communications activities and programs across corporate channels to support and demonstrate the broader manufacturing and local business leader reputation of the company, including the company's Sustainable Business model.

Essential Functions

• Sets & leads the development and implementation of the US Global Manufacturing & Supply’s local media relations and Employer Brand and Reputation Strategy; assesses related branding opportunities and strategies and advances recommendations designed to inform the business of reputational implications
• Pairs with internal stakeholders to ensure key NN brand messages are fully and appropriately leveraged and consistent across all US GMS sites and aligned and complimentary with USO’s Corporate Brand strategy, as well as Global Corporate Affairs communication targets
• Responsible for US GMS’ strategic approach to issues management, embedding and continuously improving crisis communications protocols, ensuring readiness and resilience and counselling US GMS site leaders on business-critical issues and reputational risks, when necessary
• Shapes and protects one integrated US GMS narrative consistently across all aspects of media, issues and crisis communications which resonates across key audiences as validated through testing
• Develops, manages, and drives a proactive media relations program to generate positive coverage for US GMS in local business and industry press
• Builds relationships and leverages new media as a key channel to build awareness and shape the reputation of the company’s manufacturing and local employer reputation, in line with the USO’s broader corporate brand strategy
• Conducts assessment of potential issues facing the US GMS; develops, manages, and drives reactive media relations program to anticipate and mitigate issues; and counsels all US GMS leaders on response strategy and public responses
• Serves as key member of each GMS site’s Crisis Response Team
• Prepares/coaches chief GMS spokesperson and other senior management for media interviews and external speaking opportunities; and works with reporters to shape/influence story coverage

Key External Relationships

• Local journalists (print and broadcast; trade; business and consumer media; bloggers)
• Local and regional community leaders
• Select professional, business, and industry third party groups
• Public relations agencies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications, Public Relations, Organizational development, or related field of study from an accredited university required
• Master’s degree in related field of study preferred
• Minimum of ten (10) years of public affairs/media relations and internal and external communication experience required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in strategic planning and implementation of external media relations and organizational communication activities, to include issue/crisis management required
• Experience in a public relations agency environment and/or the pharmaceutical industry preferred
• Demonstrated success in creating strategic direction, plans and proven ability to drive and sustain business improvement and results required
• Proven ability to handle unforeseen changes in a fast-paced working environment required
• Proven ability to demonstrate business acumen and work across all levels of the business required
• Proven ability to effectively manage projects and influence individuals, teams, and stakeholders required
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment with global as well as regional considerations and sometimes political implications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an open office environment with the possibility of frequent distraction
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

We Commit

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today. Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.