Associate Director, Vaccines Communications – Respiratory & Pediatric Vaccines and Pipeline

Merck • North Wales, PA

11h • $129,000 - $203,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Vaccines Communications will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams on the development and activation of integrated, comprehensive communications strategies and programs in support of our company U.S. and global respiratory & pediatrics vaccines portfolio and pipeline.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with five or more years of experience in communications/public affairs or a related field.
• Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public affairs; healthcare and pharmaceutical/vaccines experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven experience developing communications for various mediums/channels (e.g., traditional and social media, digital, print, video) and for diverse U.S. and global audiences (e.g., senior leaders, internal colleagues, patients/consumers, HCPs, external stakeholders, etc.).
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional colleagues across levels and geographies in a highly matrixed environment.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively pivot as needed to address issues and/or shifting priorities.
• Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative communications solutions while operating effectively within a regulated environment and adhering to relevant compliance requirements.
• Experience in issues and crisis communications, including identifying emerging risks, developing response strategies, and coordinating timely, clear stakeholder communications.
• Strategic and detail-oriented, excellent project management skills and proven success developing and executing strategic communications plans that support business and/or reputational goals.
• Interest in and passion for public health and prevention and in developing communications that can help raise awareness, trust and acceptance of vaccination.
• Excellent agency management skills.
• Excellent budget management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates who have a master’s or advanced degree, along with experience in vaccines, pharmaceuticals or health care industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute internal and external communications activities for established vaccines and investigational candidates, including regulatory approvals, scientific publications, and key business milestones, in collaboration with cross-functional teams to support integrated communications strategies for our company's vaccines business in the U.S. and globally.
• Strengthen awareness and activation among key audiences of the importance of vaccination through targeted content and channel strategies across earned, paid and owned platforms.
• Elevate our company's legacy and continued leadership role in vaccines through the development and maintenance of core communications materials (e.g., messaging, slide decks, videos, social media copy, etc.).
• Keep a pulse on the external environment through ongoing social listening and media monitoring and lead and/or support development and execution of issues mitigation and issues management plans in coordination with cross-functional colleagues.
• Provide support in crafting leadership communications for senior leaders, including drafting broad internal emails and elevating senior leaders’ presence on social media.
• Facilitate timely review of internal and external communications materials in compliance with our company's review processes.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with agency partners and manage program budgets to effectively implement communications plans.

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