Assoc. Dir., Specialty & Pharma Communications

Merck • Rahway, NJ

3d • $129,000 - $203,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Specialty & Pharma Communications will be part of the Specialty & Pharma 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 Specialty & Pharma portfolio (cardio-metabolic, immunology, ophthalmology and respiratory assets and other hospital & specialty brands), including potential new assets acquired through strategic business development. The Associate Director will work under the guidance of a director on the Specialty & Pharma Communications team. The role is based in either Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA as part of our hybrid work model.

Requirements

• Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience (agency or in-house) strongly preferred.
• Background in pharmaceutical product communications – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones ‒ 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 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.
• Skilled at leading traditional and social media and global communications programs.
• Excellent budget management skills, demonstrated ability to work across multiple agencies.

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.
• Support communications around expansion of current product portfolio and new product launches.
• Manage public relations agency 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.

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree