Director, Global Communications

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck seeks a dynamic Director of Global Employee and Executive Communications to translate enterprise initiatives into compelling communications for employees at all levels. You will lead executive communications, thought leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to align priorities with business strategy.

The role requires strategic thinking, exceptional writing, and experience counseling corporate executives while driving culture and engagement across the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of communication experience in external, corporate, executive and change communications, as well as employee engagement.
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience and/or leading complex, matrixed teams.
• Proven experience consulting with corporate executives and aligning messaging across the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and enterprise-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute internal and executive communication strategies for senior leaders to strengthen reputation and brand among employees and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely, relevant, and consistent communications across channels.
• Provide crisis and issues management support as needed.
• Support change management initiatives and leadership communications for enterprise programs.
• Prepare leadership for opportunities with briefing materials, media training, and on-site support.

Skills

Executive communications

Change management

Storytelling

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Crisis communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office Suite

GenAI fluency

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GenAI tools

Job description

Overview

At our Company's, we use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world - that is our purpose. The Director, Global Employee and Executive Communications, is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies and tactics that effectively engage and inspire employees at all levels of the company.

The ideal candidate is a strategic communications leader who can translate enterprise-wide initiatives into compelling communications and partner with senior leaders to drive adoption, engagement and cultural change. This leader will oversee all aspects of executive communications and thought leadership, including internal and external communications. Executive communications support should be strategic, proactive and inspiring, while advancing business priorities. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor and collaborate closely with colleagues across Global Communications and cross-functional partners, including but not limited to Strategy, Talent and Learning and Development, to align priorities and deliver integrated communications.

This position requires a dynamic and creative leader with exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of leadership communications in a fast‑paced, evolving business environment. This Director will be a self‑starter with sound judgment, strong decision‑making skills and high emotional intelligence.

This individual will report to the Associate Vice President, Global Employee and Executive Communications.

Scope of work and core responsibilities

Culture and engagement strategy

• Develop highly integrated culture and engagement strategies that motivate and inspire employees
• Ensure consistent, high‑impact messaging frameworks-adaptable and fit for purpose for multiple channels and stakeholders
• Develop engaging, visually compelling communications materials, including intranet content, briefing materials, presentations, speeches and enterprise‑wide communications
• Develop and maintain communications templates, toolkits and resources for communicators and senior leaders
• Support the implementation of change communications as needed
• Manage day-to‑day deliverables with flawless execution

Leadership communications

• Develop and implement internal and executive communication strategies for senior leaders that strengthen the company's reputation and brand among employees and key stakeholders, while aligning with the overall business strategy
• Ensure employees receive timely, relevant and consistent communications across channels
• Provide advice, training and support for internal and external engagements, ensuring senior leaders are using consistent messaging that aligns with the overall company communication strategy
• Prepare senior leaders for opportunities, including development of briefing materials and messaging, media training, on‑site support, etc.
• Support the implementation of change management strategies as needed
• Provide crisis and issues management support as needed
• Manage approvals of communications requests for senior leaders

Measurement

• Set measurable and achievable goals for execution of internal and executive communication strategies and ensure progress is tracked, reported and value is evidenced
• Measure success for culture and engagement initiatives, and recommend steps for improvement
• Leverage internal and external insights to inform overall communication strategy

Required qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of communication experience in external, corporate, executive and change communications, as well as employee engagement
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience and/or successfully leading complex, matrixed teams
• Creative and bold (yet balanced) thinker; not afraid to think outside the box and has demonstrated ability to execute and bring big ideas to life
• Proven experience confidently interacting with and counseling corporate executives and key internal partners with best‑in‑class communication practices, ensuring messaging is consistent across the organization
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including success managing major projects and enterprise‑wide initiatives
• Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content for a range of audiences and channels (e.g., media, .com, social, intranet)
• Strong writing, editing and communications skills in multiple media, including speeches, email, video scripts, editorial and social content
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Organized with high attention to detail
• Exceptional business acumen with agility in a fast‑paced environment
• Proactive with ability to "see" around corners and anticipate needs of our executives
• Ability to bring outside‑in thinking and share best practices with the team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Fluency and use of GenAI in their day‑to‑day work, including reimagining