Merck · 8 hours ago
Associate Director, Crisis & Issues Communications & Media
Merck is a global healthcare company dedicated to improving health and well-being. The Associate Director, Crisis & Issues Communications & Media will advance the company's reputation through strategic communications, focusing on policy-related topics and fostering media relations while collaborating with various teams across the organization.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Support the execution of communications strategies that support our Company's policy and advocacy priorities across U.S. State, Federal, and enterprise levels
Translate complex health policy and legislative issues into concise, engaging communications for internal and external audiences
Develop, manage and execute communications plans to mitigate various issues across the enterprise
Develop high-quality messaging frameworks, Q&As, press materials, and communications toolkits to support key objectives and thought leadership efforts
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and amplification of our Company's public policy positions across channels and audiences
Support proactive media engagement to advance our Company's perspective on public policy and healthcare innovation
Develop relationships with reporters, editors, and policy media outlets to support storytelling opportunities and manage inquiries
Support opportunities for executive visibility and thought leadership on health policy and access topics
Collaborate on issues management and rapid response communications
Contribute to strategic counsel and content development support for senior leaders on policy-related topics and stakeholder engagement
Draft and refine speeches, talking points, briefings, and presentations for internal and external use, ensuring clarity, consistency, and enterprise alignment
Partner with colleagues to prepare leaders for engagements with policymakers, trade associations, advocacy groups, and other key stakeholders
Collaborate closely with policy, communications, and Corporate Affairs teams to ensure integrated planning, message alignment, and coordinated execution across the enterprise
Serve as a connector between U.S. State and Federal policy functions, Human Health communications, commercial and enterprise communications to ensure consistent messaging and impact
Contribute to cross-enterprise initiatives that elevate understanding of our Company's policy priorities and commitment to patients and science
Qualification
Required
5-8 years of experience in policy communications, public affairs, or related roles, ideally within the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector
Experience working on Capitol Hill, and an understanding of the legislative and regulatory process
Demonstrated experience with integrated communications strategies around complex policy issues
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complexity into clarity
Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and operate with a high degree of ownership
High emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional maturity
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to anticipate needs and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
Crisis Communication Management
Media Relations
Media Strategies
Policy Knowledge
Press Releases
Professional Judgement
Social Media Management
Speech Writing
Preferred
Knowledge of U.S. healthcare policy and the biopharmaceutical industry landscape
Experience collaborating across matrixed organizations and global communications structures
Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Affairs or related field
Leadership
Public Affairs
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Company
Merck
Merck is a biopharmaceutical company that offers medicines and vaccines for various diseases.
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.59MKey Investors
Private Capital AdvisorsGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
2018-11-25Post Ipo Equity· $0.59M
2016-01-21Series Unknown· $5M
1980-12-19IPO
Leadership Team
Recent News
2025-12-30
2025-12-30
BioWorld Financial Watch
2025-12-29
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