Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications

MSD; North Wales (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking an Associate Director for Global Oncology Communications to lead external communications for late-stage oncology assets and data milestones. The role focuses on editorial strategy, cross‑functional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement across regions in a fast-paced, global setting.

The candidate will manage communications for regulatory milestones, supervise crisis communications, and partner with agencies while ensuring alignment with company priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences required.
• Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare/pharma in a global public company preferred.
• Experience in product communications, data-driven/milestone communications, and crisis management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communications activities for oncology products and pipeline assets.
• Drive editorial strategy to raise external awareness and manage data/regulatory milestone communications.
• Coordinate with regions, agencies, and experts; manage high-volume materials through review processes.

Skills

Action Plan Implementation

Agency Management

Analytical Problem Solving

Business Metrics

Communication Coordination

Communication Management

Executive Presence

External Communication

Media Communications

Oncology

Policy Research

Product Communications

Product Rollouts

Program Support

Project Leadership

Regulatory Processes

Resource Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences

Job description

Job Description Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications The role of Associate Director, Global Oncology Communications, is a unique opportunity to join our company, a recognized leader in oncology, as a key member of the Global Oncology Communications team. The role will support the creation and implementation of external communications strategies, plans and tactics related to our company’s broad oncology portfolio and pipeline assets. The candidate selected for this role will work under the guidance of the Director, Global Oncology Communications in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

Location: Rahway, NJ (USA) or Upper Gwynedd, PA (USA). Hybrid setup: 3 days in-office & 2 days off-site/remote.

Primary responsibilities

Develop and implement integrated communications activities in support of our company’s oncology in-line products and Phase 3 pipeline assets, heavy emphasis on data milestone communications (data releases, medical meeting communications) and regulatory milestones and approvals. Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of late-stage oncology pipeline assets – through conducting meaningful, targeted communication outreach including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of our Company. Include appropriate metrics and leverage with key audiences. Identify, develop and support unique storylines, media and thought‑leadership opportunities to showcase our late-stage oncology pipeline assets that complement oncology narrative with key external stakeholders. Prepare and brief oncology leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities. Develop and communicate strategies, programs and materials for use by our company’s regions and subsidiaries worldwide; help advise regions and subsidiaries for franchise and product communications issues. Serve as a liaison to third party groups (including advocacy organizations) and external experts (including researchers) and to trade and local news media. Manage high volume of materials (press releases, social media content, core response documents, etc.) through medical and legal review process, developing strong and collaborative relationships with review boards. Work directly with public relations agencies and help manage related budgets.

Required Experience and Skills

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required. Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience at a global publicly traded company preferred. Product communications experience – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones; product launch experience highly desirable. Candidate must have deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong business and financial acumen. 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. Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board. Ability to handle crisis communications, provide long-term strategic communications counsel and deliver on short-term communication tactics and objectives. 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 oncology communications. Experience working with C-suite and senior level executives. Budget and agency management experience.

Required Skills

Action Plan Implementation, Agency Management, Analytical Problem Solving, Business Metrics, Communication Coordination, Communication Management, Executive Presence, External Communication, Media Communications, Oncology, Policy Research, Product Communications, Product Rollouts, Program Support, Project Leadership, Regulatory Processes, Resource Forecasting

Preferred Skills

Pharmaceutical Industry, Strategic Communication Planning

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, 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. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00.
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Comprehensive package of benefits includes medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Job Posting End Date: 10/15/2026. (A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.)

Employee Status: Regular; Relocation: No relocation; VISA Sponsorship: No; Travel Requirements: 10%; Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid; Shift: 1st - Day; Valid Driving License: No; Hazardous Material(s): N/A.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.