Associate Director, Community Impact & Grants

Merck; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Director, Community Impact, to drive the execution of the community engagement strategy across priority U.S. communities.

The role coordinates with the Head of Global Community Impact and Engagement and with seven Community Impact Liaisons to ensure alignment with strategic priorities. The position sits within the Global Impact Investing and Giving (GIIG) pillar and focuses on program management, grants, and cross-functional collaboration to advance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health policy, business or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in program operations, program management, public health, community health, philanthropy, or related field.
• Experience in operations management and coordinating complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to influence in a matrixed environment without direct reporting authority.
• Experience coordinating grantmaking or community-based program processes (review, contracting, reporting).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and drive alignment through collaboration and influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution and implementation of key initiatives and directives identified by the Head of Global Community Impact and Engagement.
• Coordinate day-to-day program operations, including planning, milestone tracking, issue identification, escalation, and follow-up on deliverables.
• Support learning on emerging trends, community needs, and local insights across priority U.S. communities.
• Partner with Liaisons and stakeholders to ensure work is relevant, coordinated, compliant, and non-duplicative.
• Lead establishment and operation of a grant review committee and coordinate review materials and meetings.
• Support grantmaking processes including intake, reviews, approvals, contracting, and reporting.

Skills

Public health

Program management

Operations management

Cross-functional stakeholders

Grantmaking

Influence

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Advanced degree

Job description

Merck is seeking an Associate Director, Community Impact, to drive the execution of the community engagement strategy across priority U.S. communities.

The role coordinates with the Head of Global Community Impact and Engagement and with seven Community Impact Liaisons to ensure alignment with strategic priorities. The position sits within the Global Impact Investing and Giving (GIIG) pillar and focuses on program management, grants, and cross-functional collaboration to advance