Job Description

The Associate Director, Vaccines Communications for the company's HPV franchise will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams on the development and activation of integrated, comprehensive communications strategies and programs in support of the U.S. and global vaccines business.

The Associate Director will report to the Director, Global Vaccines Communications.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop integrated communication strategies and campaigns aligned with the overarching corporate and HPV franchise priorities.

• In partnership with Director, Vaccines Communications, strengthen awareness and activation among key audiences of the importance of vaccination through robust omni-channel approaches.

• Act as strategic counselor for HPV communications and issues management, in coordination with Director, Global Vaccines Communications.

• Co-develop campaigns and ongoing news flow to continually reinforce the value of vaccines and the HPV franchise among employees, the public, scientific liaisons, healthcare professionals, payers, and advocacy partners.

• Stay current on trends in consumer engagement, digital activation and media and pop culture around the world to engage in new approaches to reach adults and parents of adolescents at risk for HPV-related cancers and diseases.

• Monitor the vaccines ecosystem and media environment to identify emerging issues relevant to HPV vaccines and opportunities to position HPV in social discourse.

• Co-lead communications around expansion of current product portfolio and new product launches.

• Manage public relations agency and related program budgets to implement best-in-class HPV communications plans.

• Identify opportunities for partnerships with key external organizations and experts in support of business and reputational goals.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree with five or more years of experience in public relations/communications working with senior leaders.

• Candidates who have a master's or advanced degree, along with experience in vaccines, pharmaceuticals, or health care industry preferred.

Qualifications:

• Minimum five years' experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred.

• Product communications experience; preferably within vaccines.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills across various mediums/channels (e.g., digital, print, video) for U.S. and global audiences.

• Ability to confidently lead and provide strategic counsel to executives to support business goals.

• Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives.

• Ability to work successfully across teams and reporting structures in a matrix environment.

• Strong project management skills with proven success managing and executing major projects.

• Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

• Leading traditional and social media and global communications programs.

• Excellent budget management skills.

• Travel required: 15%

Preferred:

• Global and U.S. market vaccines experience is highly preferred.

• Proven ability to articulate and lead strategic communications plans that supports the business.

• Demonstrated partnership success with colleagues in marketing, policy, and investor relations.

• Agency experience may also be relevant.

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:

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Requisition ID:R330583