Merck
Associate Director, Product Communications (Pneumococcal & Pediatrics Franchise)
Job Description

The Associate Director, Global Vaccines Communications for the company's pneumococcal and pediatrics franchise will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams on the development and activation of integrated, comprehensive communications strategies and programs in support of the U.S. and global vaccines businesses.

The Associate Director will report to the Director, Global Vaccines Communications.

Primary Responsibilities

Strong collaboration with cross-functional team to develop integrated communication strategies and campaigns aligned with the overarching corporate and pneumococcal and pediatrics franchise priorities.In partnership with Director, Vaccines Communications strengthen awareness and activation among key audiences of the importance of vaccinations through robust omni-channel approach. Co-develop campaigns and ongoing news flow to continually reinforce the value of vaccines and the pneumococcal and pediatric franchises among employees, the public, scientific liaisons, 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 adults and parents of adolescents at risk for pneumococcal and pediatric related diseases – a forward/creative mindset.Manage the promotional review process for appropriate materials in support of the pediatric and pneumococcal vaccines portfolio.Understand and effectively navigate product review team process - sharing insights and counsel on processes improvement.Serve as primary contact to monitor environment through social listening tools and media monitoring to identify opportunities to insert pneumococcal and pediatric vaccines positioning into the social discourse while staying on top of emerging issues.Co-lead communications for new product launches and current product portfolios.Act as strategic counselor to support pneumococcal and pediatric communications and issues management, in coordination with Director, Global Vaccines Communications.Manage public relations agency and related program budgets to implement best-in-class communications plans. Create partnerships with key external organizations and experts in support of business objectives and reputational goals.

Commute/Location:

This role is based at our Headquarters site in Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd (PA) with a Hybrid setup (combination of an in-office & remote).This position cannot be 100% remote.

Position Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement: 

Bachelor’s Degree with five or more years of experience in public relations/communications working with senior leaders.Candidates who have a master’s or advanced degree, along with experience in vaccines, pharmaceutical, or health care industry preferred.

Required Experience And Skills

Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred. Product communications experience; preferably within vaccines. Strong project management skills with proven success managing and executing major projects. Leading traditional and social media and global communications programs. Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives.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.Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role.Ability to work successfully across teams and reporting structures in a matrix environment.Excellent budget management skills.

Preferred Experience And Skills

US and global market, vaccines experience is highly preferred.Agency experience may also be relevant.Proven ability to articulate and lead strategic communications plans to support the business.Demonstrated partnership success with colleagues in policy and investor relations. 

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

Current Employees apply HERE

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US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

About

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected Salary Range

$122,800.00 - $193,300.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Requisition ID:R290518
Rahway, NJ