Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Marketing

Merck & Co, Inc$142K — $224K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of marketing experience in healthcare consumer or general consumer marketing.
  • Proven expertise in agency and budget management, with successful campaign development.
  • Strong knowledge of digital marketing channels, content strategy, and performance marketing.
  • Exceptional analytical skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and project management skills, capable of managing multiple initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Own and execute consumer strategies for the US PrEP franchise, including insights and launch plans.
  • Support the creation of DTC content across channels by partnering with agencies and internal teams.
  • Lead day-to-day agency engagement, managing the workflow from insight to delivery.
  • Manage the consumer marketing budget for efficient resource allocation and ROI maximization.
  • Support end-to-end activation strategy across non-personal and digital channels for key consumer segments.
  • Collaborate with market research and community engagement teams to ensure execution alignment.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model offering flexibility with 3 days on-site.
  • Opportunity for around 25% travel to enhance engagement and insights.
  • Unique chance to contribute to the launch of an innovative HIV prevention asset.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Join the U.S. launch team for an investigational Phase III HIV prevention asset (PrEP) to advance the Healthcare Consumer (HCC) strategy for people who may benefit from PrEP. Reporting to the HCC Director, HIV PrEP, this role supports the end-to-end consumer approach-from insight generation to strategy development, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) campaign creation, and omnichannel delivery to support a successful launch.

The role requires experience in healthcare consumer behavior, digital engagement, and agile marketing, as well as the ability to translate insights into campaigns and tactics that motivate key segments to consider PrEP. As a critical member of the launch team, this role supports cross-functional alignment, agency management, and innovation across channels, messaging, and measurement frameworks. Given the dynamic nature of our marketing capabilities, a successful candidate will need a high level of learning agility, resilience, comfort with ambiguity, experience navigating a heavily matrixed organization, and a willingness to pioneer new approaches.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategy & Tactic Development: Own and execute clear, compelling consumer strategies for the US PrEP franchise, including foundational insights, strategic priorities, target-setting, and short- and long-term launch plans. Define learning objectives and work with cross-functional teams to identify customer and market trends to inform marketing strategies.
  • DTC & Content Creation: Support the creation of DTC content across channels. Partner with agencies and internal teams to develop tailored messaging by segment.
  • Agency Management: Lead day-to-day engagement with creative, media, research, and digital agencies. Manage the workflow from insight and brief development through validation, approval, primary production, and delivery.
  • Budget Management: Manage the assigned consumer marketing budget, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI. Ensure ongoing budget tracking, forecasting, vendor SOW management, and scenario planning to support strong financial stewardship.
  • Omnichannel Activation: Support the end-to-end activation strategy across non-personal and digital channels for key consumer segments.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with market research, data & analytics, digital content teams, and community engagement teams to align execution. Coordinate with HCP marketing counterparts to ensure message consistency, seamless pull-through, and strategic alignment across consumer and professional channels.


Education
  • Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent (BA/BS).
  • Preferred: MBA or equivalent.


Required Experience & Skills
  • Minimum of 7 years of marketing experience, preferably in healthcare consumer or general consumer marketing
  • Demonstrated expertise in agency management, budget management, and campaign development/delivery.
  • Deep knowledge of digital marketing channels, content strategy, social media ecosystems, performance marketing, and measurement frameworks.
  • Strong analytical skills and comfort with data-driven decision-making.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and project management capability: track record of managing multiple concurrent initiatives, setting priorities, and consistently delivering high-quality results.
  • Strategic thinker with operational discipline who translates long-term strategy into executable tactical plans.
  • Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments: performs effectively under pressure and navigates changing priorities with resilience.
  • Influential collaborator: builds strong internal and external relationships, navigates stakeholder dynamics, and secures alignment across functions.


Preferred Skills
  • HIV Treatment or Prevention, or related public health experience.
  • Product launches and pre-launch commercialization activities.
  • Proven self-starter with a hands-on, results-driven approach.
  • Familiarity with omnichannel marketing, digital channel integration, and agile marketing processes.


Location & Work Model
  • Location: Upper Gwynedd, PA - Hybrid (3 days on-site per week per U.S. Hybrid Work Model).
  • Travel: Approximately 25% travel required.

#HIV2026

Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Advertising Campaign Development, Agency Management, Agency Relationships, Agency Selection, Agile Methodology, Creative Campaign Development, Cross-Functional Project Management, Decision Making, Digital Analytics, Healthcare Marketing, Industry Trend Analysis, Marketing Budget Management, Marketing Management, Marketing Mix, Marketing Strategy Implementation, Market Research, Market Trend Analysis, Omnichannel Marketing, Omnichannel Strategy, People Leadership, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pricing Strategies, Principles of Marketing {+ 9 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
09/23/2026
*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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