Sr. Specialist, Communication Operations (Hybrid - NJ or PA)

Job Description

The Senior Specialist, Communications Operations, is responsible for supporting the Human Health & Manufacturing Division communications team in activities that support our priorities to communicate key milestones to important stakeholder groups about our portfolio and pipeline of medicines and vaccines. The individual will report to the Director, Corporate Affairs CoE and will support the Human Health & Manufacturing Division global communications team on initiatives, projects, metrics reporting, tracking budgets, as well as updating and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enable timely and accurate deliverables to stakeholders. 

This individual, as part of the Global Communications team will be an integral member of the team in enabling important workflows and ensuring execution of key initiatives and milestones. 

This individual is highly collaborative and works with various teams to ensure consistent communications messaging and materials across all business sectors. They also work with a sense of urgency, approach projects with a high level of diligence and detail and meet deadlines.

Location/Commute: 

• This role can be based in our headquarters site in Rahway, NJ or Upper Gwynedd, PA. 

• We offer a hybrid setup - combination of in-office (3 days) and remote/offsite (2 days) per week.

Scope of Work & Core Responsibilities  :   

• Manage and track budgets for department and aid teams in annual profit planning cycle

• Develop and maintain team sites created to store important documents that serve as resources for leaders and external-facing teams

• Aid in the development of core response documents (CRDs) on various initiatives related to our business and portfolio

• Develop, update and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other trackers for the Human Health and Manufacturing Division communications team

• Collaborate with teams to update metrics reports to capture high value work on a monthly basis

• Provide support for high visibility meetings and events that involve senior leaders

• Support teams with proofreading and formatting of important materials

• Support the implementation of change management strategies 

• Develop mechanisms to collect and analyze feedback from internal and external stakeholders

• Provide crisis and issues management support as needed 

• Stay informed of industry trends and actively provide market intelligence to the team 

• Work collaboratively with the Human Health & Manufacturing Division communications team to develop strategies in support of Ways of Working, onboarding new employees, and forums for sharing case studies and important new work across the team and with the markets.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required.

Required Qualifications :

• Minimum 3-5 years of communications experience  

• Knowledge and understanding of communications practices, tools and techniques  

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively  

• Advanced writing, editing and communications skills 

• Creative thinker and passionate about building culture  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software

• Organized, sharp attention to detail and project management skills with proven success managing major projects with long-term timelines  

• Strong project management skills and problem solver 

• Exceptional business acumen with agility in a fast-paced environment 

• Proactive with ability to “see” around corners and anticipate needs of our leaders and executives 

• Positive attitude and ability to thrive in fast-paced environment 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in employee and internal communications, public relations, external engagement and corporate reputation 

• Experience in health care industry, including large Fortune 500 companies 

• Experience at a PR agency or equivalent welcome 

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  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 diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas 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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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

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