Global Learning & Development, Change & Communications Specialist

AgileOne | Merck; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Change & Communications Specialist to drive employee engagement and adoption of learning initiatives across the organization. You will evaluate change impacts, readiness, and build audience-focused communication strategies with stakeholders and SMEs.

Using structured change management methods and multi-format content, you will ensure employees understand upcoming changes, why they matter, and how to navigate them.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of structured change management frameworks and methodologies.
• Proven ability to develop and execute change or communications strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills at all levels.
• Strong project management skills and ability to juggle multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Autonomy and collaborative work style, able to operate independently.

Responsibilities

• Assess organizational readiness, change impacts, and potential adoption barriers to design risk mitigation plans.
• Develop and execute integrated change management and communication strategies aligned with learning objectives and milestones.
• Conduct stakeholder and audience analyses to identify engagement needs and optimal delivery channels.
• Build stakeholder buy-in across all levels and address resistance to change.
• Create, curate, and distribute clear, engaging multi-format content that informs, educates, and inspires learners.
• Translate complex program concepts into practical, audience-relevant guidance with clear calls to action.
• Manage editorial and communication calendars for coordinated messaging with GLD priorities.
• Provide hands-on change management guidance to sponsors, managers, and employees during implementation.
• Maintain online learning resources to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Monitor adoption metrics and engagement to optimize strategies.

Skills

Change management

Communications

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Join the Global Learning & Development (GLD) team as a Change & Communications Specialist dedicated to driving employee engagement, adoption, and sustained success across Merck and MSD learning initiatives. In this role, you will work closely with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to evaluate change impacts, assess organizational readiness, and build audience-focused communication strategies. By combining structured change management methodologies with creative, multi-format content creation, you will ensure employees across the organization understand upcoming changes, why they matter, and how to effectively navigate them. We are seeking a proactive, collaborative professional with strong project management skills and exceptional communication abilities to support our global learning programs.

Responsibilities

• Assess organizational readiness, change impacts, and potential adoption barriers to design effective risk mitigation plans.
• Develop and execute integrated change management and communication strategies aligned with learning objectives and program milestones.
• Conduct detailed stakeholder and audience analyses to identify engagement needs, tailored messaging requirements, and optimal delivery channels.
• Build stakeholder buy-in across all organizational levels, actively managing expectations and addressing potential resistance to change.
• Create, curate, and distribute clear, engaging multi-format content that informs, educates, and inspires learners.
• Translate complex program and learning concepts into practical, audience-relevant guidance and clear calls to action.
• Manage editorial and communication calendars to maintain coordinated, timely messaging aligned with broader GLD priorities.
• Provide hands-on change management guidance and support to project sponsors, managers, and employees throughout program implementation.
• Maintain online learning and communication resources to ensure content remains accurate, accessible, current, and user-friendly.
• Monitor adoption metrics, engagement levels, and communication effectiveness to gather feedback and continuously optimize strategies.

Education

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree (completed or currently in pursuit of degree completion).

Experience
Required Experience & Skills:

• 3+ years of professional experience in change management, communications, or marketing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of structured change management frameworks and methodologies.
• Proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive change or communication strategies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of autonomy, self-motivation, and ability to thrive both independently and within a collaborative team.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Prior experience within the Pharmaceutical or Biotech industry.
• Background or familiarity with Learning & Development (L&D) environments.
• Experience working on international or cross-border global projects.

Additional Information

• Organization: Global Learning & Development (GLD)
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel as needed.