Executive Director, Trade & Investment, US Government Affairs

The Executive Director, Trade & Investment at Novartis is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive government affairs strategies regarding trade, investment, and geopolitical matters. This role involves engaging with key governmental entities, maintaining a strong network on Capitol Hill, and collaborating with internal partners to drive key trade issues. The executive will analyze real-time insights to inform strategic decisions, ensuring Novartis's priorities are acknowledged in policy discussions.

For the Executive Director, Trade & Investment role at Novartis, a Bachelor’s degree is required, while a Master's degree or Juris Doctor is preferred. Candidates should possess over 15 years of experience in federal legislative processes and a deep understanding of U.S. trade policy. This position also requires significant experience in crafting government affairs strategies and strong relationships with policymakers.

The Executive Director, Trade & Investment at Novartis plays a crucial role in aligning government policies with the company's goals. By actively representing Novartis in Washington, D.C., the executive ensures that the company's perspectives on trade and investment are integrated into policymaking processes, contributing to a favorable environment for the company's growth and patient care initiatives.

The Executive Director, Trade & Investment position at Novartis is primarily based in the Washington, DC office, requiring in-person attendance three times a week. This arrangement promotes collaboration with internal teams and engagement with key stakeholders critical to the role.

At Novartis, the work culture is collaborative and supportive, emphasizing the importance of passionate individuals coming together to achieve breakthroughs. As the Executive Director, Trade & Investment, you will be surrounded by motivated professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the healthcare sector, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.

When responding to this question, highlight your direct experience with U.S. trade policy, emphasizing specific strategies you've implemented or projects you've led. Discuss how your knowledge of the legislative process and relationships with policymakers have effectively driven favorable outcomes.

To answer this, outline your strategy for relationship building, including networking techniques, attending relevant events, and maintaining regular communication with stakeholders. Emphasize the importance of understanding their perspectives and aligning interests to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

Share specific strategies you've employed to shape trade legislation. This could include coalition-building, crafting advocacy materials, or engaging in public messaging campaigns. Use examples to demonstrate how these strategies resulted in impactful outcomes.

Discuss your methods for staying updated, such as subscribing to relevant newsletters, attending industry conferences, and leveraging networks. Highlight how this knowledge has allowed you to proactively address challenges and opportunities in trade policy.

Provide a relevant example where you effectively navigated a complex issue. Include the stakeholders involved, the strategies you used to communicate and advocate, and the eventual outcome, showcasing your abilities in strategic thinking and problem-solving.

In your answer, underscore the significance of data in informing and shaping government affairs strategies. Discuss how analyzing trends, impacts, and stakeholder sentiments can help mitigate risks and seize opportunities, ensuring that your strategies are data-driven.

To effectively answer this question, paint a picture of a structured communication approach. Discuss preparing concise executive summaries, tailored presentations, and being prepared for in-depth discussions to ensure leadership understands the implications and importance of trade issues.

Outline your process for prioritizing trade issues, emphasizing criteria such as potential impact on the business, alignment with corporate goals, and immediacy of the political landscape. This shows your analytical skills and strategic approach to government affairs.

Share instances where you formed coalitions with other organizations to enhance advocacy efforts. Discuss the importance of alignment, shared goals, and how these partnerships resulted in successful outcomes, demonstrating your collaborative abilities.

Discuss your conflict-resolution strategies, including active listening, seeking common ground, and using facts to make your case. Illustrate how maintaining professionalism and a respectful dialogue can lead to productive outcomes despite disagreements.