Associate Director, R&D and Business Development Communications

The Associate Director, our Research & Development division and BD&L Communications, will support the creation and implementation of communications strategies, plans and tactics that showcase our Company's Research Laboratories discovery and early pipeline efforts across our Company's core focus areas and s capabilities. This individual will also support the execution of internal and external communications related to business development and external collaborations that augment our Company's pipeline. The individual will drive communications initiatives that further our Research & Development division reputation as a leading scientific organization, and employer and partner of choice The position will report to the Director, our Research & Development division and BD&L Communications and will be based in Rahway, NJ Primary responsibilities: Develop and implement an integrated communications program to showcase our Research & Development division early pipeline from discovery through Phase 3 and raise the scientific profile of our Research & Development division, aligned with our corporate narrative 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 and social media strategies. Prepare for potential issues. Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of our Research & Development division - its science, pipeline and people - through conducting strategic, meaningful, targeted communications including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of our 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 our 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 our Research & Development division discovery and pipeline efforts that complement our Research & Development division scientific narrative with key external stakeholders. Prepares and briefs R&D leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities. Closely partner with the broader organization including Global Media Relations and Product 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. Requires Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required A minimum of five (5) years' experience in a communications or public relations role, with a focus on data and scientifically driven external communications in an agency or corporate setting. Must have strong executive presence, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work under tight deadlines with great attention to detail. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaborate within a matrixed organization. Candidate must have deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong scientific, business, and financial acumen. Candidate must have an ability to interact with subject matter efforts to develop an understanding of complex scientific concepts and data and develop audience specific communications. Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing deadlines. Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility role. Creative and passionate professional with experience in the development and implementation of integrated communications programs. Experience in internal and external communications, including executive communications and issues/crisis management. Follows communications trends and has proficiency with social and digital channels. 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 Required Skills: Collaborative Spirit Communications Strategy Content Creation Crisis Management Data Analysis External Communication Internal Communications Life Science Marketing Communications Planning Media Publis #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck