Senior Program Lead, Community Impact & Grants

Merck; Montpelier (VT); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Director, Community Impact, to lead execution of the U.S. community engagement strategy within its GIIG pillar.

You will coordinate across seven Community Impact Liaisons, manage grant review processes, and ensure compliant, non-duplicative activities aligned with health access goals. The role emphasizes influence, program management, and collaboration across internal stakeholders to drive impact in priority communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health policy, business, life sciences, social sciences, public administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in program operations, program management, or community health.
• Strong coordination across multiple stakeholders in matrixed environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of initiatives identified by the Head of Global Community Impact and Engagement.
• Coordinate day-to-day program operations, milestones, and deliverables.
• Support grantreview processes including intake, reviews, contracting, and reporting.
• Track milestones, budgets, risks, and decisions for leadership visibility.
• Develop updates and recommendations based on activity and portfolio progress.
• Support learning activities to improve program effectiveness and impact.

Skills

Program operations

Public health

Cross-functional coordination

Influence without authority

Grantmaking processes

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Merck is seeking an Associate Director, Community Impact, to lead execution of the U.S. community engagement strategy within its GIIG pillar.

You will coordinate across seven Community Impact Liaisons, manage grant review processes, and ensure compliant, non-duplicative activities aligned with health access goals. The role emphasizes influence, program management, and collaboration across internal stakeholders to drive impact in priority communities.