Director Policy/Government Relations

Merck•Washington, DC

1d•$190,800 - $300,300•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director supports global public policy efforts related to the company’s infectious disease therapeutic area franchises, with primary responsibility for leading development and implementation of public policy strategies supporting the HIV prevention program. Working with global franchise and cross-functional teams, regional and country policy teams, senior policy leadership, and Corporate Affairs, the Director helps develop and execute the global plan for the HIV prevention program. This includes identifying, analyzing, and responding to public policy issues; developing and implementing therapeutic-area policy strategies and positions; and advocating for strategic business priorities. The role leads global public policy planning and stakeholder engagement to support the introduction, access, reimbursement, implementation, and uptake of the HIV prevention portfolio. It works closely with commercial, market access, medical affairs, outcomes research, communications, and regional teams to address policy barriers and advance prevention access, innovation, and method choice. The Director coordinates policy work across internal teams, guides regional and country policy teams, develops relationships with external stakeholders, represents the company in policy forums, and manages external consultants and policy projects. The position is based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid work arrangement and 25% travel. Relocation is not offered. The role is regular employment and includes eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required.
At least 10 years of experience addressing public policy issues.
Strong knowledge of issues related to HIV, including experience related to HIV prevention.
Experience and expert knowledge of government and non-governmental organizations active on global public policy issues.
Strong knowledge of global healthcare public policy processes, including the roles and influence of various stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to identify strategic priorities and work within a matrix organization to achieve policy goals.
Experience managing consultants and budgets.
Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively.
Excellent written and oral English-language communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or graduate degree in a field related to healthcare policy.
At least 5 years of experience within the global policy space.
Experience engaging HIV community, advocacy, multilateral, public health, and global health stakeholders.
Experience addressing policy issues related to prevention access, reimbursement, health technology assessment (HTA), healthcare financing, public health programs, and implementation of preventive health interventions.
Understanding of issues impacting access to HIV prevention services, including barriers affecting populations disproportionately impacted by HIV.
Experience with public health prevention programs, immunization programs, sexual health services, HIV prevention programs, or implementation of population-based health interventions.
Knowledge of public policies.

Responsibilities

Manage development and implementation of global public policy strategic plans aligned with cross-functional teams and planning processes supporting Global Commercial Team therapeutic-area strategies.
Lead development of policy positions and stakeholder engagement strategies supporting the introduction, access, reimbursement, implementation, and uptake of the HIV prevention portfolio.
Partner with commercial, market access, medical affairs, outcomes research, communications, and regional teams to identify and address policy barriers, shape the external environment, and advance prevention access, innovation, and method mix choice.
Coordinate across Global Public Policy teams, senior Global Public Policy management, Corporate Affairs, the Global Business Unit, Global Franchise, Global Commercial Teams, and other internal stakeholders.
Engage regional and country policy teams to provide strategic guidance and coordinate policy strategy development and implementation.
Coordinate company advocacy with public policy agencies and organizations to ensure it is consistent and effective.
Develop and maintain relationships with governmental, multilateral, non-governmental, and patient advocacy stakeholders.
Engage and collaborate with HIV prevention stakeholders, including community and advocacy organizations, public health agencies, multilateral organizations, healthcare providers, and other partners involved in prevention policy, implementation, and access.
Represent the company in industry and other external policy-related forums involving therapeutic-area policy stakeholders.
Manage external consultants and policy development projects.