Job DescriptionOverviewThe Director, AI Communications Strategy, will be responsible for the strategic direction of AI communications, shaping how our Company's AI, GenAI and agentic initiatives across research, commercial, manufacturing, talent and more are communicated to internal and external audiences.
The ideal candidate is a strategic communications leader who can translate complex AI initiatives into clear, credible, human-centered stories that resonate with employees, leaders, external audiences and key stakeholders-and help drive adoption and cultural change internally.
Responsibilities will include defining and operationalizing the overarching communication strategy and narrative; leading internal and external storytelling, including executive communications and thought leadership; and ensuring consistent, high-performing communications on all channels. This role will help strengthen our company's reputation in and build enterprise-wide understanding of-and engagement with-AI.
This candidate will work collaboratively with peers in Global Communications, and in strong partnership with cross-functional teams including but not limited to Strategy, IT, Change Management, Talent, as well as Learning and Development, to align priorities and ensure cohesive communications planning and execution.
This individual will report to the Executive Director, IT Strategic Communications, and will be part of the Global Employee and Executive Communications team.
Scope of work and core responsibilitiesStrategy and narrative leadership- Define and lead the overarching AI communications strategy and narrative for internal and external audiences, aligned with our company's strategic priorities
- Ensure consistent, high-impact messaging frameworks of AI initiatives-adaptable and fit for purpose for multiple channels and stakeholders
- Serve as a trusted partner with strong ways of working to leaders and enterprise communications partners on AI communications, messaging and engagement opportunities
- Set measurable and achievable goals for execution of internal, external and executive communication strategies and ensure progress is tracked, reported and value is evidenced
- Leverage internal and external insights to inform overall AI communication strategy
- Provide crisis and issues management support as needed
- Manage budget, resources and agency partners as applicable
External storytelling and reputation building- Oversee development and execution of external engagement plans, including media interviews, speaking opportunities and industry positioning
- Prepare leaders for opportunities, including development of briefing materials and messaging, media training, on-site support, etc.
Internal engagement and change leadership- Set direction for and implement internal storytelling strategy and priorities that motivate and inspire colleagues to drive awareness, understanding and adoption of AI, as well as feel pride in our company's AI journey
- Develop and maintain communications templates, toolkits and GenAI and agentic enablement resources for communicators and leaders
- Support the implementation of change communications, as needed
- Partner with Talent and AI learning teams to promote people development and upskilling-spotlighting learning pathways, key resources and communities of practice
Channel, content and performance management- Oversee content strategy, including editorial direction, content calendar and multi-channel distribution in partnership with content and digital teams to ensure timely, coordinated publishing
- Create clear and inspirational content related to key engagement initiatives; may include but not limited to written, video, digital and visual assets
Required minimum qualifications- Bachelor's degree in a related field is required
- Minimum 8-10 years of communication experience in external, corporate, executive and change communications, as well as employee engagement
- Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience and/or successfully leading complex, matrixed teams
- Creative and bold (yet balanced) thinker; not afraid to think outside the box and has demonstrated ability to execute and bring big ideas to life
- Strong fluency and use of GenAI in their day-to-day work, including reimagining communications activities and/or processes leveraging AI and agents
- Proven experience confidently interacting with and counseling corporate executives and key internal partners with best in-class communication practices, ensuring messaging is consistent across the organization
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including success managing major projects and enterprise-wide initiatives
- Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex topics (e.g., AI, digital, data) into clear, engaging content for a range of audiences and channels (e.g., media, .com, social, intranet)
- Strong writing, editing and communications skills in multiple media, including speeches, email, video scripts, editorial and social content
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Organized with high attention to detail
- Exceptional business acumen with agility in a fast-paced environment
- Proactive with ability to "see" around corners and anticipate needs of our executives
- Ability to bring outside-in thinking and share best practices with the team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Preferred qualifications- Experience in employee and internal communications, change communications, public relations, external engagement and corporate reputation
- Experience in healthcare industry, including large Fortune 500 companies
- Experience in AI communications strategy and engagement
- Experience at a PR agency or equivalent welcome
Location/Commute- This role is based at our Headquarters site in Rahway (NJ, USA)
- We offer a Hybrid setup {combination of an in-office (3 days) & remote/offsite (2 days)}
- This position cannot be 100% remote
Required Skills: Business Acumen, Business Acumen, Business Communications, Change Management Communication, Communication Management, Communications Planning, Communication Strategy Development, Communications Writing, Communication Tools, Content Development, Content Strategy, Corporate Brand Management, Crisis Communication Management, Crisis Management, Employee Engagement, Employee Engagement Programs, Employee Training Programs, Event Planning, IT Change Management, Media Interviews, Media Production, Media Relations, Multi-Management, Project Management, Public Relations (PR) {+ 2 more}
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply 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: Regular
Relocation:No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:No
Travel Requirements:25%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Hybrid
Shift:1st - Day
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):N/a
Job Posting End Date:06/30/2026
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