Associate Director, Medical Affairs - GI

Role Summary The Associate Director, Global Professional Society Affairs (GPSA) is a role within Global Medical Proficiency and External Affairs (GMPEA), Global Medical and Value Capabilities. This position supports the development and execution of coordinated engagement strategies with prioritized professional medical societies and organizations aligned with medical, scientific, and therapeutic area objectives. The role is responsible for operational delivery, relationship management, and cross‑functional coordination within an assigned therapeutic area, project or region while ensuring compliant, high‑quality execution that advances the company’s scientific and medical objectives. Responsibilities Support the development and execution of engagement plans with prioritized U.S. and global professional medical societies in partnership with Global Medical & Scientific Affairs (GMSA), U.S. Medical Affairs (USMA), Policy, and Patient Innovation & Engagement (PI&E) Execute defined engagement strategies and tactical plans aligned with TA priorities and evolving healthcare needs Monitor internal milestones and external trends to inform day‑to‑day execution and identify opportunities for continuous improvement Contribute operational insights to strategic planning discussions and lessons learned reviews Manage day‑to‑day relationships with assigned professional medical societies under the guidance of GPSA leadership Support participation in external meetings including congresses, industry forums, and society meetings, including coordination of logistics and engagement activities Serve as a point of contact for assigned society interactions, ensuring alignment, mutual value, and appropriate follow‑through Assist with preparation of materials for external engagements, including follow‑up on previous meetings and action items, creation of backgrounders, and alignment on cross‑functional agenda items and attendees Coordinate with internal stakeholders (e.g., GMSA TA teams, USMA, GMPEA, PI&E, Policy, Outcomes Research, Commercial, Compliance & Legal) to support aligned and compliant engagement activities Facilitate internal information flow and knowledge sharing related to professional society interactions and insights Support cross‑functional teams by connecting colleagues to relevant professional society opportunities and resources Support tracking, documentation and reporting of engagement activities and impact metrics Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with company policies, industry regulations and ethical standards Assist with management of corporate memberships and utilization of associated benefits Contribute to operational excellence initiatives, including process improvements, templates and best practices Provide operational support to cross‑functional clinical practice guidelines and recommendation working groups related to professional medical society engagement Contribute to proposal review, triage and operational evaluation processes, as applicable Participate in internal training and capability‑building initiatives related to professional society engagement Required Qualifications Advanced degree (MS, PharmD, PhD) in life sciences or related field with at least 2‑3 years of experience in medical education, professional relations, medical affairs, or the pharmaceutical industry – OR – BA/BS degree with at least 5 years of experience in the same areas Experience supporting cross‑functional teams in a matrixed environment Strong organizational, communication and project management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality work within defined timelines Working knowledge of industry regulations, compliance standards and company policies Commitment to ethical conduct, integrity and patient‑focused decision making Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree preferred Experience working with U.S. and/or international professional medical societies within GI Exposure to congress, symposia or scientific exchange operations Formal project management training or certification Required Skills Cross‑Functional Collaboration, Interpersonal Relationships, Medical Affairs, Medical Knowledge, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Project Management, Scientific Communications Employment Information US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. San Francisco Residents Only: Consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only: Consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Equal Employment Opportunity We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $173,200.00 - $272,600.00. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation and sick days. Relocation & Travel No relocation. 25% travel required. Hybrid work arrangements. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck