AVP, Oncology, Communications

Rahway, NJ (Hybrid)

$282K/yr – $444K/yrSenior Level15+ years expFull time

Posted 18 hrs ago

Job Summary

Own and drive the global oncology communications strategy, guiding cross-functional lifecycle workstreams from early pipeline milestones to launches and reputation management.

  • Lead integrated portfolios and messaging across product stages
  • Collaborate with executives and regional teams to ensure alignment and rapid execution

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the senior communications advisor to Oncology leadership, contributing communications expertise to business, portfolio, product and reputational decisions.
  • Develop and execute an integrated global communications strategy for the oncology portfolio that aligns with business priorities, product strategies, clinical development plans and the broader company narrative.
  • Translate oncology product strategy into differentiated communications strategies and narratives that articulate clinical value, unmet need, patient impact, competitive positioning and the role of each asset within the broader portfolio.
  • Lead communications planning across the full product lifecycle, including early pipeline milestones, pivotal data, regulatory submissions and decisions, medical congresses, launches, label expansions, new indications, lifecycle management and loss-of-exclusivity considerations.
  • Partner closely with Global and U.S. Commercial, Research and Development, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Outcomes Research, Regulatory, Legal, Investor Relations, Public Policy, Patient Engagement and regional and market communications teams.
  • Build integrated communications plans for priority oncology assets and tumor areas, ensuring consistent positioning while addressing market-specific business needs, stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.
  • Direct communications for major scientific and medical milestones, including data announcements and presentations at priority medical meetings, ensuring accurate interpretation of evidence and coordinated execution across earned, owned, social and executive channels.
  • Provide strategic communications counsel for oncology product launches and indication expansions, including disease-awareness strategies, launch narratives, executive engagement, media strategy, stakeholder materials and internal readiness.
  • Strengthen the company’s oncology reputation through enterprise storytelling, thought leadership and integrated campaigns that connect pipeline innovation, product impact, patient experience and the company’s long-term commitment to transforming cancer care.
  • Anticipate and manage product, clinical, regulatory and reputational issues. Lead scenario planning, rapid-response communications and executive counsel in partnership with cross-functional teams.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in communications, business, science, public health or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive communications experience, including significant leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare industry.
  • Extensive oncology communications experience, with a strong understanding of the oncology market, clinical development, regulatory environment, scientific exchange and evolving standards of care.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing product strategy communications for oncology assets across multiple lifecycle stages.
  • Proven leadership of communications for major product launches, indication expansions, clinical data milestones, regulatory decisions and priority medical congresses.
  • Strong ability to translate complex scientific, clinical and commercial information into clear, credible and compelling communications for varied audiences.
  • Deep understanding of the relationships among product strategy, portfolio positioning, market access, medical strategy, patient needs, the competitive landscape and corporate reputation.
  • Demonstrated success partnering with senior executives and influencing decisions in a highly matrixed, global organization.
  • Strong issues and crisis management experience, including the ability to anticipate risk, exercise sound judgment and lead with calm and urgency in high-pressure situations.
  • Established ability to build relationships with media, external experts, patient advocacy organizations and other influential stakeholders.

Preferred

  • Current Employees apply HERE
  • Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.
MSD logo

MSD

4.1 Glassdoor

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in 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.msd.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Rahway, New Jersey, USA
41K employees (1,637 in marketing)
85% recommend to a friend
90% CEO approval

Salaries

Posted range

$282K/yr – $444K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

Communications median pay in the United States

$93K/yr

Most pay falls between $71K and $137K. Based on 6,331 salaries.

See all MSD salaries

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
442.7K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
48.4%
Direct
32.9%
Referral
11%
Social
6.4%
Paid
1.2%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~40.9K
MSD logo

AVP, Oncology, Communications

MSD · Rahway, NJ · Hybrid