Associate Director – Specialty & Pharma Communications

MSD

Associate Director in Specialty & Pharma Communications driving integrated communications strategies and campaigns in healthcare sector. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing high-volume communications.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $129,000 - $203,100 per yearWebsite

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Hard Skills

communicationspublic relationspharmaceutical product communicationsproject managementdigital activationmedia monitoringcontent creationregulatory communicationsbudget managementdata management

Soft Skills

collaborationwritten communicationoral communicationattention to detailteam playeradaptabilityleadershiprelationship buildingproblem solvingtime management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree

Industry Keywords

healthcarepharmaceuticalsconsumer engagementmedia environmentdisease awarenesspublic relations agencycommunications strategiescross-functional teamsemerging pipelineadvocacy partners

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop integrated communication strategies and campaigns aligned with the overarching corporate and franchise priorities.
Co-develop campaigns and ongoing news flow to continually reinforce the value of our company's medicines among employees, the public, scientific liaisons, investors, healthcare professionals, payers, and advocacy partners.
Stay current on trends in consumer engagement, digital activation and media and pop culture around the world to engage in new approaches to reach consumers on important disease awareness initiatives.
Monitor the competitive landscape, ecosystem and media environment to identify emerging issues relevant to assigned therapeutic areas and opportunities to position our emerging pipeline and portfolio.
Support communications around expansion of current product portfolio and new product launches.
Manage public relations agency and related program budgets to implement best-in-class communications plans.
Manage high volume of materials (press releases, social media content, core response documents, etc.) through medical and legal review process, developing strong and collaborative relationships with review boards.
Identify opportunities for partnerships with key external organizations and experts in support of business and reputational goals.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum five years’ experience in communications or public relations; healthcare and pharmaceutical experience (agency or in-house) strongly preferred.
Background in pharmaceutical product communications – including managing communications for a high volume of data and regulatory milestones ‒ highly desirable.
Excellent written and oral communication skills across various mediums/channels (e.g., digital, print, video) for U.S. and global audiences.
Ability to work successfully across teams and reporting structures in a matrix environment.
Strong project management skills with proven success managing and executing major projects.
Keen eye for detail, with demonstrated experience managing a high volume of communications through a medical/legal review board.
Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Skilled at leading traditional and social media and global communications programs.
Excellent budget management skills, demonstrated ability to work across multiple agencies.
Minimum of a BA required

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays
vacation
compassionate and sick days