Dir, Specialty & Pharma Communications - New Products (Ophthalmology)

Overview The role of Director, Specialty & Pharma Communications - New Products (Ophthalmology) is a key member of the Specialty & Pharma Communications team. The role leads day-to-day communications for the company ophthalmology portfolio, including communications for a launch brand. Based on business need, the individual may also support other brands within the Specialty & Pharma organization and potential new assets acquired through strategic business development. This position is based in Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA as part of our hybrid work model. Responsibilities Manage branded and unbranded communications activities in support of the ophthalmology portfolio, with emphasis on milestone communications (regulatory approvals, data releases, medical meeting communications). Act as strategic counselor on strategy and issues management, in coordination with the Executive Director, peers and other team members. Provide strategic oversight and drive ongoing support and execution of signature U.S. unbranded patient/consumer programs including engagement with patient advocacy organizations; collaborate with country communicators to enable local activations of unbranded campaigns. Serve as primary liaison with the Patient Innovation & Engagement team and U.S./global Marketing teams, Research Labs and other cross-functional stakeholders. Communicate in alignment with the company's corporate narrative and Specialty & Pharma business strategy while partnering with stakeholders to develop strategic communications aligned with key business priorities. Evaluate innovative and creative omni-channel strategies to engage internal and external stakeholders; ensure strategies are robust and complementary. Develop and communicate strategies, programs and materials for use by markets, regions and subsidiaries worldwide; advise regions and subsidiaries on franchise and product communications issues. Serve as liaison to third-party groups (including advocacy organizations) and external experts (including researchers) and to trade and local news media. Directly manage public relations agencies and related budgets; manage team members directly and/or indirectly. Qualifications Requires a minimum of eight (8) years' experience in a communications or public relations role within the pharmaceutical industry (agency or in-house). Deep pharmaceutical product communications experience, including managing communications for a new product launch; ophthalmology experience highly desirable. Ability to confidently lead and provide strategic counsel to executives to support business goals while delivering at the tactical level. Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long-term strategic counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives. Excellent written and oral communications skills across multiple mediums/channels; keen eye for detail. Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, stakeholders and competing priorities. Team player with collaborative spirit; able to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role. Experience managing and mentoring team members; strong agency and budget management experience. Education Minimum of a BA required Required Skills Collaborative Spirit, Content Creation, Data Analysis, Event Management, Internal Communications, Marketing Communications Planning, Media Publishing, Media Relations, Medical Communications, Online Content Development, Public Health Communications, Public Speaking, Reputation Management, Strategic Planning, Trade Media Relations Preferred Skills Legal and Compliance US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity in hiring. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. Equal Employment Opportunity statements apply, including protections against discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Salary and Benefits The salary range for this role is $173,200.00 - $272,600.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (e.g., 401(k)) and paid holidays, vacation, sick days, and other benefits. More information about benefits is available at the company compensation and benefits page. Application You can apply for this role through the company careers site or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. Notes Travel Requirements: 10% • Hybrid work arrangement • Regular status • No relocation • No visa sponsorship • Job posting end date: 06/26/2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.