Overview:
As Incyte Italy enters a new phase of growth, this role offers a unique opportunity to define and lead the Public Affairs function and its impact in the Italian healthcare ecosystem.
The Director, Public Affairs, Italy is responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated strategy across government affairs, communications and patient advocacy to support business priorities and long-term market shaping. This senior role requires a strategic and hands-on leader who can navigate a complex external environment, build strong stakeholder relationships, and translate insights into impactful execution.
Reporting to the Italy General Manager with a dotted line to the Head of Public Affairs International, the role is a part of the leadership team, strengthening Incyte’s reputation and positioning with policy makers, media and patient communities.
Function Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Leadership
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Define and lead an integrated Public Affairs strategy (government affairs, communications, patient advocacy) aligned with Italy business priorities
- Act as a strategic advisor to the General Manager and leadership team on external environment, positioning and reputation
- Identify opportunities and risks in the healthcare, policy and societal landscape, translating them into actionable strategies
- Lead market shaping initiatives to enable optimal access and positioning of Incyte’s portfolio
2. Government Affairs & Policy
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Define and implement a government affairs strategy, including stakeholder mapping and engagement priorities
- Build and maintain high-level relationships with national and regional policy makers, institutions and trade associations
- Monitor and anticipate policy, regulatory and legislative developments, providing strategic guidance to the business
- Position Incyte as a credible and trusted partner in healthcare policy discussions
3. Communications & Reputation
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Define and oversee corporate, brand and external communication strategy
- Ensure consistent and impactful media engagement and visibility across general, trade and digital channels
- Lead corporate positioning, narrative development and reputation management, including crisis communication readiness
- Oversee development and approval of external communications materials
4. Patient Advocacy & Partnerships
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Define and implement a patient advocacy strategy, embedding patient-centricity across the organization
- Build strategic partnerships with patient organizations to advance shared objectives
- Ensure deep understanding of patient and advocacy landscape in Italy, identifying collaboration opportunities
- Integrate patient insights into business strategy and decision-making
5. Cross-functional Leadership & Execution
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Partner with Market Access, Medical, Commercial and Legal/Compliance to ensure aligned external engagement strategies
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and ensure effective execution of Public Affairs plans
- Manage agencies and external partners to deliver high-quality outcomes
- Ensure compliance, ethics and transparency in all external interactions
6. External Representation & Influence
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Represent Incyte at key external forums, industry associations and stakeholder engagements
- Build and maintain a strong network of influencers across policy, media and patient communities
- Enhance Incyte’s visibility, credibility and thought leadership in Italy
Requirements
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BA/BS required. Advanced degree in science, health or business-related field preferred.
- 10+ years’ experience across public affairs, government affairs, communications and/or patient advocacy.
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Strong network within Italian healthcare ecosystem (policy makers, institutions, media, patient groups)
- Proven experience in strategy development and execution in complex environments
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally
- Strong leadership presence with entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset
- Experience in market shaping and reputation building initiatives
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix and international environment
- Strong commitment to ethics, compliance and integrity
- Fluent Italian and English
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.
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