Associate Director, Market Access, Policy and Sustainability Communications – MSD

Pennsylvania, USA (Hybrid)

$129K/yr – $203K/yrSenior Level8+ years expFull time

Posted 4 months ago

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Job Summary

Lead global health equity communications and sustainable access storytelling for a pharma company, coordinating cross‑functional strategy and external engagement.

  • Own multi‑market communications translating access strategies into compelling narratives.
  • Must-have: 8–10+ years in pharma/healthcare communications.
  • Standout: Global cross‑functional collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, country teams, and corporate affairs.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Deliver internal and external communications supporting major enterprise initiatives including the Impact Report, philanthropic programs, quarterly results and high-visibility events (e.g. BIO, UNGA, WHA).
  • Contribute to a multi‑year global health equity communications strategy aligned with our company commercial, therapeutic area and sustainable access goals.
  • Partner with teams across our company value chain – including Corporate Affairs, Research, Manufacturing, country managers and commercial – to translate complex access strategies, R&D initiatives, technology initiatives and partnerships into compelling stories.
  • Execute integrated external communications (media, digital, thought leadership) to highlight impact through affordability initiatives, partnerships, strategic investments and health system–strengthening programs.
  • Support development of thought‑leadership platforms for senior leaders, including speeches, op-eds, external panels, investor and policy forums.
  • Lead internal communications to build engagement and understanding of sustainable access commitments and progress.
  • Track communications performance using insights, with a focus on qualitative impact and reputation outcomes.
  • Ensure aligned, consistent messaging across regions, franchises and corporate affairs while enabling local adaptation in priority markets.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 8–10+ years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, or corporate affairs, with significant time in a global pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare setting.
  • High emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional maturity.
  • Ability to effectively execute complex, multi‑market communications strategies.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific and policy complexity into accessible, engaging narratives for diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience managing media relations and issues/crisis communications in a highly regulated environment.
  • Track record of effective relationships with internal teams and managing external agencies and budgets.
  • Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and operate with a high degree of ownership.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to anticipate needs and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Travel up to 25%

Preferred

  • Experience working with next-generation technologies and financing models developed for diverse (High, Mid, low) markets, highly desired.

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.
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Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com. This site is intended for residents of the United States and Canada and their territories only. FLS: http://merck.us/3TKXNuZ

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