Job Description

The Executive Director, Vaccines Communications is responsible for leading, developing and executing U.S. and global communications strategies and programs that support our Company's leading vaccines portfolio and pipeline. This individual is required to develop and maintain relationships with government, policy and third-party healthcare organizations at local and national levels, and collaborate with these groups and other partners to promote and protect the discovery of innovative vaccines while improving and protecting patient access to care.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Human Health and Manufacturing Communications, the Executive Director, Vaccines Communications is responsible for the development of strategic communications that showcase the strength of the Company’s vaccines pipeline, including during late-stage development, distribution and regulatory milestones, in a manner that reflects the Company’s purpose and upholds its reputation.

This leader will serve on Human Health Communications Leadership Team and cross-functional Vaccines Leadership teams and manage a small team of employees, as well as be the primary point of contact for collaboration with contractors and agency partners. This individual will also serve as a company spokesperson and represent the Company to external stakeholders, including third-party groups and news media.

Scope of work and core responsibilities:                                                            

Direct the creation of compelling multi-channel internal and external communications programs to advance the business and position the Company as a trusted partner and leader in global health.

Direct and manage all communications across the vaccine portfolio and pipeline, including regulatory approvals, governing bodies, publications of scientific data and other business and reputation milestones.

Maintain relationships with policy and third-party organizations.

Develop compelling communications materials and collateral to support the vaccine pipeline and portfolio.

Ensure all communications materials are consistent with U.S. and international regulations and adhere to internal review processes to ensure they are executed in a strategic, consistent and measurable manner.

Provide advice and message training to the vaccine leadership team ahead of key milestones.

Collaborate with Investor Relations, Media Relations and others to ensure consistent communications to stakeholders.

Measure success for vaccines communications initiatives and recommend steps for improvement.

Required Experience and Skills:

Minimum 10 years’ experience in communications and corporate affairs; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at global publicly-traded company preferred.

Experience working in a highly regulated environment.

Excellent written and oral communications skills across mediums/channels (e.g., digital, print, digital, video, presentation) and U.S. and international audiences.

Highly developed advocacy, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong ability to develop new, innovative ways to drive communications in a rapidly changing environment.

Strong writing, editing and communications skills, including the ability to speak to key internal audiences.

Strong project management skills with proven success managing major projects and overarching company initiatives.

Experience working on disease-awareness consumer campaigns, crisis management, external communications, developing and executing plans, including messaging.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and bridge the gap between junior and senior employees.

Experience working with senior executives.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

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, Monday - 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”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. 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 US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*A 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:R319225