Job DescriptionThe Director, Research & Development Division and Business Development Communications, will support the creation and implementation of external communications strategies, plans and tactics that showcase discovery and innovation through Phase 3 pipeline efforts across our Company’s core therapeutic areas (oncology, cardiometabolic, vaccines, infectious diseases, neuroscience and immunology).This individual will also support the execution of business development announcements and external collaborations that complement and augment our company’s pipeline. The individual will drive communications initiatives that further Research & Development Division reputation as a leading scientific organization, and employer and partner of choice.The position will report to the Vice President, Research & Development Division and Business Development Communications and will be based in Rahway, NJ.Primary responsibilities:
Develop and implement an integrated external communications program to showcase Research & Development Division scientific capabilities and early and raise the scientific profile of Research & Development Division, aligned with our Corporate Affairs and Enterprise strategy.
Lead and support early pipeline communications efforts across all therapeutic areas (TAs) including data milestones, medical congress activities, executive visibility, internal communications, digital communications, and social media strategies.
Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of Research & Development Division – its science, pipeline and people - through conducting meaningful, targeted communications outreach including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of Research & Development Division and Our Company. Include appropriate metrics and leverage with key audiences.
Develop creative content on key targets, pathways and pipeline areas of focus, aligned to priority TAs, to reinforce the scientific narrative around pipeline candidates and appropriately positioned within the context of Research & Development Division pipeline and R&D strategy.
Develops communications strategies and materials for business development deals and other collaboration announcements and liaises with partner companies on supporting plans, tactics and timing.
Identify, develop and support unique storylines, media and thought-leadership opportunities to showcase Research & Development Division discovery and pipeline efforts that complement our Research & Development Division scientific narrative with key external stakeholders.
Prepares and briefs Research & Development Division and Business Development and Licensing (BD&L) leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities.
Closely partner with the broader Corporate Affairs organization, including Global Media Relations and HH communications teams, as well as Investor Relations colleagues to align and maximize opportunities for R&D initiatives and find opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools for communications activities.
Work directly with public relations agencies and help manage related budgets.
Position Qualifications:Location/Commute:
This role is based at our HQ site(s) in Rahway (NJ, USA) or Upper Gwynedd (PA) with travel to NJ site on as need basis.
We offer a Hybrid setup {combination of an in-office (3 days) & remote/offsite (2 days)} This position cannot be 100% remote.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required.
Required Experience and Skills:
A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a communications or public relations role, with a focus on scientifically-driven communications in an agency or corporate setting.
Creative and passionate professional with experience in the development and implementation of integrated communications programs.
Deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong business and financial acumen.
Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
Experience in internal and external communications, including executive communications and issues/crisis management.
Follows communications trends and has proficiency with social and digital channels.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision with a collaborative spirit to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role within a matrixed organization.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Experience in supporting R&D or pipeline communications efforts
Experience working with C-suite and senior level executives
Budget and agency management experience.
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTSIn 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 (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.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:EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088EEOCKnowYourRights1020.pdf)EEOC GINA SupplementPay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp%20EnglishformattedESQA508c.pdf)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.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)U.S. Hybrid Work ModelEffective 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:$164,800.00 - $259,400.00Available 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 (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) .Search Firm Representatives Please Read CarefullyMerck & 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:RegularRelocation:VISA Sponsorship:Travel Requirements:Flexible Work Arrangements:HybridShift:Valid Driving License:Hazardous Material(s):Job Posting End Date:06/9/2024A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.Job Posting End Date: 06/09/2024A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.Requisition ID: R296174