Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communications activities in support of our company’s oncology in-line products and Phase 3 pipeline assets, heavy emphasis on data milestone communications (data releases, medical meeting communications) and regulatory milestones and approvals.
• Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of late-stage oncology pipeline assets – through conducting meaningful, targeted communication outreach including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of our Company. Include appropriate metrics and leverage with key audiences.
• Identify, develop and support unique storylines, media and thought-leadership opportunities to showcase our late-stage oncology pipeline assets that complement oncology narrative with key external stakeholders.
• Prepare and brief oncology leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities.
• Develop and communicate strategies, programs and materials for use by our company’s regions and subsidiaries worldwide; help advise regions and subsidiaries for franchise and product communications issues.
• Serve as a liaison to third party groups (including advocacy organizations) and external experts (including researchers) and to trade and local news media.
• 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.
• Work directly with public relations agencies and help manage related budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required.
• Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.
• Product communications experience – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones; product launch experience highly desirable.
• Candidate must have deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong business and financial acumen.
• Must have strong executive presence, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work under tight deadlines with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaborate within a matrixed organization.
• Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board.
• Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role.

Preferred

• Experience in supporting R&D or oncology communications
• Experience working with C-suite and senior level executives
• Budget and agency management experience
• Experience in internal and external communications, including executive communications and issues/crisis management
• Follows communications trends and has proficiency with social and digital channels
• Budget and agency management experience

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.