Director, Regulatory Advertising and Promotion

Merck Group$210K — $316K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in science or health-related discipline; advanced degree (PhD, MD, MS, or PharmD) preferred.
  • 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience with 5 years as a primary reviewer of promotional materials.
  • Extensive knowledge of FDA regulations for advertising and promotional materials including OPDP and APLB processes.
  • Proven track record in solving complex regulatory challenges while balancing business and regulatory needs.
  • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for cross-functional consensus building.

Responsibilities

  • Lead U.S. promotional regulatory review for assigned products.
  • Ensure compliance of promotional materials with laws, regulations, and FDA guidance.
  • Develop and oversee compliant promotional strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Manage communications and submissions with FDA's promotional review divisions.
  • Conduct assessments of evolving regulatory trends to inform business decisions on promotions.

Benefits

  • Health insurance and wellness programs.
  • Paid time off (PTO) policies.
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
Full Job Description
Your Role

At the intersection of science, strategy, and compliance, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape how life-changing therapies are brought to patients through compliant, compelling promotion.

The Director, Advertising and Promotion serves as the U.S. promotional regulatory lead for assigned products and is accountable for the review, approval, and strategic oversight of promotional materials. In this role, the Director ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and FDA guidance while providing independent, expert regulatory counsel to cross-functional stakeholders. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Director enables the development of compliant and effective promotional strategies that support business objectives and drive organizational success.

The Director leads and represents Regulatory Affairs on Promotional Review Committees, ensuring that U.S. promotional materials for prescription products meet regulatory requirements and align with company strategy. As the primary regulatory liaison to FDA promotional review divisions, including OPDP and APLB, the Director manages correspondence, addresses complex regulatory inquiries, and oversees submissions for advisory comment. The role requires the ability to propose innovative and compliant regulatory strategies and solutions to complex promotional concepts, balancing business objectives with regulatory risk.

In addition, the Director leads the strategic evaluation and regulatory positioning of proposed product claims for assets in development, including oversight of Important Safety Information (ISI) and Brief Summary documents, as appropriate. The role drives the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advertising and promotion processes, standards, and standard operating procedures to enhance operational efficiency and ensure sustained regulatory compliance. The Director also leads the assessment of evolving regulatory trends, guidance, and enforcement activities, proactively advising Regulatory Affairs teams, review committees, and cross-functional stakeholders to inform business decisions and ensure compliance.

The Director actively participates in labeling and global regulatory team discussions to ensure alignment of clinical development and labeling strategies with anticipated promotional claims and messaging. The role includes leading the development of regulatory strategy communications, including responses to FDA action letters, and overseeing interactions with OPDP and APLB. The Director also oversees the design and execution of enterprise-wide training on promotional regulatory requirements to strengthen organizational capability and compliance awareness.

As a key strategic leader, the Director collaborates closely with Marketing, Legal, Medical Affairs, Quality, and other stakeholders to enable compliant and effective promotional execution. The role partners with Quality on internal audits and CAPAs, providing regulatory leadership to ensure alignment with compliance requirements and to drive continuous improvement. Recognized as a subject matter expert in U.S. promotional regulations, the Director provides coaching and informal mentorship to team members, including onboarding support for new hires, fostering a culture of consistency, capability development, and regulatory excellence.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a science or health-related discipline; advanced degree (PhD, MD, MS, or PharmD) strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry or related experience, with a minimum of 5 years as a primary reviewer of advertising and promotional materials.
  • In-depth knowledge of FDA regulations governing the development, review, and approval of prescription drug promotional materials, including OPDP and APLB processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and deliver solutions to complex promotional regulatory challenges, balancing business objectives with regulatory risk.
  • Strong diplomacy, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with a track record as a consensus builder across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading or supporting drug promotion activities and product launches within a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical environment.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the Regulatory Affairs landscape for prescription drugs, including labeling strategy and clinical development alignment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-wide training initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts for diverse audiences.


Location: Boston, MA, USA (Seaport); Hybrid 3 days per week in office

Travel:

Pay range for this position: $210,900.00 - $316,300.00

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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