Senior Manager, Therapeutic Area Communications

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Boston, MA

7d•$122,000 - $183,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role, focused on US product communications, sits within Global Therapeutic Area Communications and will also lend expertise to a major potential upcoming launch in Fertility, making it a strong fit for someone who wants exposure across therapeutic areas while anchoring in Rare Tumors. We are looking for a Senior Manager, US Communications to work closely with the Communications Lead, Rare Tumors to serve as the day-to-day communications liaison across all three US Rare Tumors brands and as the primary communications liaison to US Rare Tumors business leadership. This is a hands-on role: the person in this position will own tactics end-to-end, from planning through flawless execution, and will be fluent in pharma processes (i.e. vendor contracting, MLR review, Sprinklr management). They will also flex into other product communication needs as business priorities require.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
Minimum 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare communications, ideally with exposure to rare disease and US market dynamics.
Demonstrated hands-on experience managing communications tactics end-to-end, including agency/vendor management, MLR review processes and pharmaceutical compliance requirements.
Experience supporting or partnering with business/brand leadership as a trusted communications advisor.
Strong writing, editing, and project management skills; comfortable managing multiple brands and workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to operate with urgency and integrity in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Fluent in English; both verbal and written

Nice To Haves

Experience in rare disease or specialty pharma communications.
Experience supporting a product launch.
Familiarity with patient advocacy engagement in a regulated healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the go-to US communications partner and liaison for Rare Tumors business leadership, translating business priorities into communications strategy and keeping leadership informed on plans, risks, and results.
Lead end-to-end execution of communications tactics across the three US Rare Tumors brands (from planning and briefing through drafting, review, and launch) for internal communications, media, patient-facing materials, and executive/spokesperson support.
Actively support the planning and execution of an upcoming Fertility launch, partnering cross-functionally with brand, medical, and other TA communications colleagues.
Own the operational backbone of the work: manage agency and vendor contracts and budgets, and shepherd content through MLR.
Navigate the US healthcare communications landscape fluently: media relations, patient advocacy, congress support, and issues management specific to the US market.
Build strong working relationships across Communications, Brand/Marketing, Medical Affairs, Legal, Regulatory, Patient Advocacy, and Market Access to keep tactics moving without friction.
Flex support to other US therapeutic areas as needed, based on evolving business priorities.