Director, Policy/Government Relations

MSD; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 191,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a Director of Public Policy to drive global policy strategies for our cardiometabolic pipelines, including cardiovascular and obesity franchises. You will coordinate with global teams, cross-functional partners, and regional offices to shape policy solutions supporting strategic priorities.

The role requires a BS/BA with a Master’s degree preferred and at least 10 years of experience in public policy addressing non-communicable diseases, plus strong written and oral communication

Qualifications

• BS/BA required; Master’s or graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in public policy addressing non-communicable diseases.
• Strong knowledge of global healthcare public policy processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of public policy strategies for cardiometabolic pipelines.
• Collaborate with global franchise teams, cross-functional groups, and regional policy teams.
• Identify policy issues and develop proactive policy solutions aligned with business priorities.

Skills

Adaptability

Global Leadership

Noncommunicable Diseases

Policy Development

Stakeholder Analysis

Communication

Education

BS/BA

Master’s degree 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

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}

Preferred Skills

Preferred Skills: 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. 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.

Location & Compensation

Location & Compensation: 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)

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 Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 10/26/2026 *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.

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.