Merck
Associate Director, Scientific Patient Engagement and Advocacy Lead, Oncology
Merck, North Wales, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Description
The Associate Director, Scientific Patient Engagement and Advocacy Lead for General/Specialty Medicine is responsible for developing and implementing a global headquarters strategic patient engagement plan aligned with therapeutic objectives, ensuring the patients’ perspectives remain central to the work of the company. The Scientific Patient Engagement Lead manages the planning and execution of patient engagement initiatives, and manages relationships between patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) and the company. This position coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, gathers insights, and incorporates patient input into clinical research, V&I, commercial, policy and manufacturing plans.
Responsibilities
Develop the headquarters therapeutically aligned strategic plan, execute strategic initiatives, and assist in planning key performance indicators (KPIs), goals and tactics.
Execute and implement patient innovation and engagement activities by incorporating the patient voice into internal strategy development and decision‑making.
Support efforts to gather and include patients’ and advocates’ insights throughout the product lifecycle.
Develop the headquarters therapeutically aligned strategic patient advocacy and educational plans.
Develop, manage, and support long‑term PAO relationships through engagement and communication.
Serve as a liaison to PAOs and patient arms of professional societies.
Facilitate engagement through active participation at national and regional congresses and by implementing meetings with PAO leadership and executive staff.
Ensure compliance with existing company guidelines related to patient advocacy.
Navigate across internal and external stakeholders ranging from individual patients to highly networked patients and medical organizations.
Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to proactively develop and execute the global Value and Implementation plan.
Participate in external conferences, congresses, and industry consortiums to represent the company’s focus on the patient, including speaking, presenting and authoring publications.
Ensure alignment with regional and country‑level related activities (patient, scientific, medical).
Support any division with needs relating to patient engagement or patient advocacy, including Research Labs, Human Health, Manufacturing, IT and others.
Develop the talent on the team and seek opportunities to enhance their capabilities.
Track associated spend for activities and communicate with TA and Strategy Lead.
Track and report impacts, findings and key metrics related to work.
Key Internal Stakeholders
Patient Innovation and Engagement Center of Excellence
Therapeutic Area Leadership
Global Policy and Corporate Communications Teams
US Federal Policy & Government Relations
State Government Affairs & Policy
Research Labs, Value & Implementation
Human Health, Manufacturing, IT
Global Medical Proficiency and External Affairs (GMPEA)
Global Clinical Development (GCD)
Qualifications
Advanced Degree in health sciences or equivalent level of patient engagement work experience (MD, MSN, or PhD strongly desirable).
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the healthcare industry (clinical/biopharmaceutical/patient advocacy organization).
Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing relationships with external stakeholders.
Deep academic understanding of the science of patient input and a strong record of obtaining and incorporating patient insights into decision‑making.
Deep understanding of Patient Engagement, Patient Insights, Patient Advocacy Organizations, and best practices.
U.S./Global experience in clinical research, regulatory affairs, scientific and medical affairs, or pharmaceutical policy.
Ability to understand the importance of patient innovation and engagement across the company.
Record of advocating or advancing patient engagement experience.
Ability to navigate a complex matrixed organization, think creatively and develop innovative strategies.
Ability to manage a varied set of issues and engage with a complex stakeholder group.
Ability to manage competing priorities with effective collaboration and program management skills.
High degree of ethics and ability to build effective working relationships internally and externally.
Personal Characteristics
Scientific and medical credibility to represent the company to patients, patient advocates, patient organizations and medical/scientific organizations.
Ability to work in a complex organization and operate in a team‑oriented structure.
Excellent interpersonal communication (written and oral), results‑oriented project management, facilitation and consultative skills to influence decision‑making.
Compassionate communicator skilled in empathetic listening and navigating sensitive patient conversations.
Experience managing interactions with senior leaders and working well as a team member.
Ability to travel 15‑20% anticipated.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working with patients and PAOs.
Experience in the therapeutic area space.
Demonstrated track record of establishing trusted relationships with patient organizations and professional societies or public health organizations.
Compensation Salary range: $173,200.00 – $272,600.00.
Benefits Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, healthcare and other insurance benefits, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Legal and Equal Opportunity As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Responsibilities
Develop the headquarters therapeutically aligned strategic plan, execute strategic initiatives, and assist in planning key performance indicators (KPIs), goals and tactics.
Execute and implement patient innovation and engagement activities by incorporating the patient voice into internal strategy development and decision‑making.
Support efforts to gather and include patients’ and advocates’ insights throughout the product lifecycle.
Develop the headquarters therapeutically aligned strategic patient advocacy and educational plans.
Develop, manage, and support long‑term PAO relationships through engagement and communication.
Serve as a liaison to PAOs and patient arms of professional societies.
Facilitate engagement through active participation at national and regional congresses and by implementing meetings with PAO leadership and executive staff.
Ensure compliance with existing company guidelines related to patient advocacy.
Navigate across internal and external stakeholders ranging from individual patients to highly networked patients and medical organizations.
Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to proactively develop and execute the global Value and Implementation plan.
Participate in external conferences, congresses, and industry consortiums to represent the company’s focus on the patient, including speaking, presenting and authoring publications.
Ensure alignment with regional and country‑level related activities (patient, scientific, medical).
Support any division with needs relating to patient engagement or patient advocacy, including Research Labs, Human Health, Manufacturing, IT and others.
Develop the talent on the team and seek opportunities to enhance their capabilities.
Track associated spend for activities and communicate with TA and Strategy Lead.
Track and report impacts, findings and key metrics related to work.
Key Internal Stakeholders
Patient Innovation and Engagement Center of Excellence
Therapeutic Area Leadership
Global Policy and Corporate Communications Teams
US Federal Policy & Government Relations
State Government Affairs & Policy
Research Labs, Value & Implementation
Human Health, Manufacturing, IT
Global Medical Proficiency and External Affairs (GMPEA)
Global Clinical Development (GCD)
Qualifications
Advanced Degree in health sciences or equivalent level of patient engagement work experience (MD, MSN, or PhD strongly desirable).
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the healthcare industry (clinical/biopharmaceutical/patient advocacy organization).
Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing relationships with external stakeholders.
Deep academic understanding of the science of patient input and a strong record of obtaining and incorporating patient insights into decision‑making.
Deep understanding of Patient Engagement, Patient Insights, Patient Advocacy Organizations, and best practices.
U.S./Global experience in clinical research, regulatory affairs, scientific and medical affairs, or pharmaceutical policy.
Ability to understand the importance of patient innovation and engagement across the company.
Record of advocating or advancing patient engagement experience.
Ability to navigate a complex matrixed organization, think creatively and develop innovative strategies.
Ability to manage a varied set of issues and engage with a complex stakeholder group.
Ability to manage competing priorities with effective collaboration and program management skills.
High degree of ethics and ability to build effective working relationships internally and externally.
Personal Characteristics
Scientific and medical credibility to represent the company to patients, patient advocates, patient organizations and medical/scientific organizations.
Ability to work in a complex organization and operate in a team‑oriented structure.
Excellent interpersonal communication (written and oral), results‑oriented project management, facilitation and consultative skills to influence decision‑making.
Compassionate communicator skilled in empathetic listening and navigating sensitive patient conversations.
Experience managing interactions with senior leaders and working well as a team member.
Ability to travel 15‑20% anticipated.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working with patients and PAOs.
Experience in the therapeutic area space.
Demonstrated track record of establishing trusted relationships with patient organizations and professional societies or public health organizations.
Compensation Salary range: $173,200.00 – $272,600.00.
Benefits Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, healthcare and other insurance benefits, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Legal and Equal Opportunity As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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