Director, Policy/Government Relations

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

401(k)

Job summary

Merck seeks a Director to lead global public policy activities for cardiometabolic franchises, shaping strategies across global teams and country offices to address non-communicable diseases. The role drives policy development and proactive solutions in support of our cardiovascular and metabolic pipelines.

Required are a BS/BA (Master's preferred), 10+ years in public policy with at least 5 years in the global space, and exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS/BA required; master's degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years addressing public policy issues with 5+ years in global policy.
• Strong knowledge of non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular/metabolic areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of public policy strategies for cardiometabolic pipelines.
• Collaborate with global franchise teams and regional policy groups.
• Identify strategic policy priorities and respond to issues.
• Advocate for company priorities with stakeholders.

Skills

Public policy

Global policy

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Policy analysis

Strategic planning

Education

BS/BA in related field

Master's degree in health care policy or related field preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Director is responsible for supporting global public policy efforts related to our Company's therapeutic area franchises addressing non-communicable diseases, with primary responsibility of leading development and implementation of public policy strategies in support of our Company's cardiovascular and metabolic (MASH and obesity) pipelines. In conjunction with the global franchise teams, cross-functional global teams, regional and country policy teams, the senior policy team, and the broader Strategic Access, Policy, and Communications team, the Director will help to develop and execute our Company's global plan in support of the cardiometabolic disease pipeline, including identifying, analyzing, and responding to public policy issues, developing and implementing our Company's therapeutic area policy strategy and proactive policy solutions, and advocating in support of our Company's strategic business priorities.

Education Requirements: BS/BA required. Master's or graduate degree in a field related to health care policy strongly preferred.

Minimum 10 years of experience addressing public policy issues and strong knowledge of issues related to non-communicable diseases or cardiovascular and metabolic (MASH and obesity) diseases, with at least 5 years within the global policy space preferred. Experience with and expert knowledge of government and non-governmental organizations active on global public policy issues required. Strong knowledge of global healthcare public policy processes including understanding the roles and influence of various stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to identify strategic priorities, work within a matrix organization to achieve policy goals. Experience managing consultants and budgets. Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively essential. Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Animal Health Care, Business Consulting Services, Case Management, Collaborative Leadership, Communication Coordination, Compliance Support, Employee Communications, EU Policy Making, Global Leadership, Healthcare Delivery Systems, Healthcare Policies, Health Literacy, Management Consulting, Multilateral Organizations, Noncommunicable Diseases, Patient Advocacy, Personal Initiative, Policy Development, Political Forums, Process Consulting, Regulatory Development, Spend Management, Stakeholder Analysis {+ 8 more}

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:

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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.

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The primary location for this posting is:

USA - District of Columbia - Washington DC (Pennsylvania Ave)

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$190,800.00 - $300,300.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

Additional location(s):

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Job Posting End Date:

10/26/2026

Requisition ID:

R421885