Executive Director, Oncology Policy Tumor

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks an Executive Director to lead oncology policy and public affairs strategy globally. You will guide engagement with policymakers and health organizations and shape enterprise-wide oncology strategy across inline and pipeline products.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President, Oncology Policy, and is based in Upper Gwynedd (PA), Rahway, NJ, or Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, public health, or related field.
• 15+ years in global oncology policy or related governance roles.
• Experience shaping policy with global institutions and think tanks.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of integrated oncology policy and public affairs strategies.
• Manage a team of professionals and coordinate with cross-functional leaders.
• Advise senior executives on policy, geopolitical and public health risks and opportunities.
• Develop executive briefing materials and strategic communications for policymakers.

Skills

Policy leadership

Public health policy

Global engagement

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Advanced degree in Public Policy/related field

Job description

Job Description The Executive Director will serve as the company's senior Oncology policy and public affairs representative and lead the development and execution of integrated policy and engagement strategies with global stakeholders and public health organizations focused on Oncology. The role will support enterprise objectives across inline and pipeline products, including the development of policy, financing, and access solutions in markets worldwide. The Executive Director will lead a team of three tumor policy experts and partner with policy and cross‑functional leaders to develop and execute enterprise‑wide strategies that advance key therapeutic area objectives. This position reports to the Associate Vice President, Oncology Policy, and will be based in Upper Gwynedd (PA), Rahway, NJ, or Washington, DC.

Scope of Work and Core Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of integrated engagement strategies with global public health organizations focused on Oncology in support of enterprise objectives across inline and pipeline products. Serve as the company's senior Oncology policy expert and public affairs representative to global oncology organizations and multilateral forums, helping to develop, shape, and influence key public health policies and positions. Partner with senior Oncology commercial and cross‑functional leaders to provide policy, geopolitical, and public health expertise that informs enterprise strategies and business plans. Lead a team of three professionals focused on priority tumor areas and ensure alignment with the overall Oncology Policy strategy. Identify emerging global public health, policy, and geopolitical trends and advise senior leadership on risks, opportunities, and implications for enterprise strategy. Foster and strengthen strategic relationships with senior leaders across global public health organizations to advance enterprise priorities and support long‑term organizational objectives. Oversee the development of briefing materials to support senior leadership engagements with policymakers, public health leaders, and internal stakeholders. Lead the development of internal and external narratives that effectively communicate key developments, strategic priorities, and enterprise positions related to global public health organizations. Drive strategies to maximize the impact of engagement with trade associations and global health coalitions, including participation and leadership in relevant working groups, task forces, and committees. Contribute to strategic planning, priority setting, and performance evaluation processes for the Global Public Policy function.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Required: Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field (e.g., MPP, MPH/MSPH, MPA, PhD, JD). 15+ years of experience in global Oncology policy, including significant engagement with global public health organizations (e.g., WHO) and/or direct experience within those institutions. Demonstrated success in shaping public policy and advancing strategic objectives through engagement with global institutions, multilateral organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, and other influential stakeholders. Proven ability to provide strategic thought leadership and counsel to senior executives on complex policy, geopolitical, and public health issues. Demonstrated team leadership skills and the ability to lead across highly matrixed, cross‑functional organizations and drive alignment around enterprise priorities. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the development of executive‑level briefing materials, presentations, and strategic communications. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex global policy, regulatory, and legislative environments; anticipate emerging issues; and develop innovative, enterprise‑wide solutions. Strong program and project leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic priorities in fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environments. Experience leading and collaborating across culturally diverse global teams and fostering strong internal and external partnerships. Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Advocacy Campaigns, Advocacy Communications, Animal Health Care, Business Administration, Communication Coordination, Compliance Support, Cytopathology, EU Policy Making, Global Policy, Global Team Collaboration, Healthcare Policies, Market Access, Multilateral Organizations, Noncommunicable Diseases, Oncology, Outcomes Research, Pathology, Patient Advocacy, Personal Initiative, Pipeline Development, Policy Development, Political Forums, Regulatory Development {+ 2 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.

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

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: 10/12/2026 *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.

The salary range for this role is $255,800.00 - $402,700.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.