Associate Director, Global Pharmaceutical Communications
Merck, Rahway, NJ, United States
Job Description
The Associate Director, Global Pharmaceutical Communications will be part of the Global Pharmaceutical Communications team and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams on the development and activation of integrated, comprehensive communications strategies and programs in support of our Company’s Global Pharmaceutical portfolio (cardio‑metabolic, immunology, ophthalmology and respiratory assets and other hospital & specialty brands), including new assets acquired through strategic business development.
Based in either Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA as part of our hybrid work model.
Primary Responsibilities
Strong collaboration with cross‑functional teams to develop integrated communication strategies and campaigns aligned with the overarching corporate and franchise priorities.
Co‑develop campaigns and ongoing news flow to continually reinforce the value of our Company’s medicines among employees, the public, scientific liaisons, investors, healthcare professionals, payers, and advocacy partners.
Stay current on trends in consumer engagement, digital activation and media and pop culture around the world to engage in new approaches to reach consumers on important disease awareness initiatives.
Monitor the competitive landscape, ecosystem and media environment to identify emerging issues relevant to assigned therapeutic areas and opportunities to position our emerging pipeline and portfolio.
Co‑lead communications around expansion of current product portfolio including communications for high priority medical meetings and new product launches.
Manage public relations agency(ies) and related program budgets to implement best‑in‑class communications plans.
Manage high volume of materials (press releases, social media content, core response documents, etc.) through medical and legal review process, developing strong and collaborative relationships with review boards.
Identify opportunities for partnerships with key external organizations and experts in support of business and reputational goals.
Qualifications
Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.
Product communications experience – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones; product launch experience highly desirable.
Excellent written and oral communication skills across various mediums/channels (e.g., digital, print, video) for U.S. and global audiences.
Ability to confidently lead and provide strategic counsel to executives to support business goals.
Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short‑term communication tactics and objectives.
Ability to work successfully across teams and reporting structures in a matrix environment.
Strong project management skills with proven success managing and executing major projects.
Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board.
Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment.
Leading traditional and social media and global communications programs.
Excellent budget management skills; demonstrated ability to connect the dots across multiple agency partners.
Education Requirements
Minimum of a BA required
Required Skills Brand Awareness, Communication Management, Communication Strategy Development, Content Creation, Crisis Communication Management, Digital Channels, Digital Consumer Engagement, Integrated Communication Strategies, Internal Communications, Media Monitoring, Media Relations, Project Management, Social Media Management, Special Event Planning
Preferred Skills Campaign Development
Location & Hybrid Work Model • Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA
Hybrid work model: 3 on‑site days per week, Monday‑Thursday; Friday remote (unless business critical tasks require on‑site presence). This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, research‑based, or collective‑bargaining agreement positions.
Salary Range $126,500.00 - $199,100.00 (lowest to highest range in good faith belief at posting time).
Benefits Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family; retirement benefits including 401(k); paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. Additional information available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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.
Location Restrictions US And Puerto Rico Residents Only
San Francisco Residents Only:
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only:
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
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Based in either Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA as part of our hybrid work model.
Primary Responsibilities
Strong collaboration with cross‑functional teams to develop integrated communication strategies and campaigns aligned with the overarching corporate and franchise priorities.
Co‑develop campaigns and ongoing news flow to continually reinforce the value of our Company’s medicines among employees, the public, scientific liaisons, investors, healthcare professionals, payers, and advocacy partners.
Stay current on trends in consumer engagement, digital activation and media and pop culture around the world to engage in new approaches to reach consumers on important disease awareness initiatives.
Monitor the competitive landscape, ecosystem and media environment to identify emerging issues relevant to assigned therapeutic areas and opportunities to position our emerging pipeline and portfolio.
Co‑lead communications around expansion of current product portfolio including communications for high priority medical meetings and new product launches.
Manage public relations agency(ies) and related program budgets to implement best‑in‑class communications plans.
Manage high volume of materials (press releases, social media content, core response documents, etc.) through medical and legal review process, developing strong and collaborative relationships with review boards.
Identify opportunities for partnerships with key external organizations and experts in support of business and reputational goals.
Qualifications
Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.
Product communications experience – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones; product launch experience highly desirable.
Excellent written and oral communication skills across various mediums/channels (e.g., digital, print, video) for U.S. and global audiences.
Ability to confidently lead and provide strategic counsel to executives to support business goals.
Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short‑term communication tactics and objectives.
Ability to work successfully across teams and reporting structures in a matrix environment.
Strong project management skills with proven success managing and executing major projects.
Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board.
Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment.
Leading traditional and social media and global communications programs.
Excellent budget management skills; demonstrated ability to connect the dots across multiple agency partners.
Education Requirements
Minimum of a BA required
Required Skills Brand Awareness, Communication Management, Communication Strategy Development, Content Creation, Crisis Communication Management, Digital Channels, Digital Consumer Engagement, Integrated Communication Strategies, Internal Communications, Media Monitoring, Media Relations, Project Management, Social Media Management, Special Event Planning
Preferred Skills Campaign Development
Location & Hybrid Work Model • Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA
Hybrid work model: 3 on‑site days per week, Monday‑Thursday; Friday remote (unless business critical tasks require on‑site presence). This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, research‑based, or collective‑bargaining agreement positions.
Salary Range $126,500.00 - $199,100.00 (lowest to highest range in good faith belief at posting time).
Benefits Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family; retirement benefits including 401(k); paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. Additional information available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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.
Location Restrictions US And Puerto Rico Residents Only
San Francisco Residents Only:
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only:
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr