Merck & Co, Inc

Executive Director, Oncology Policy Tumor

Merck & Co, Inc$255K — $402K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, or related field required.
  • 15+ years of experience in global Oncology policy required.
  • Demonstrated success in shaping public policy through engagement with global organizations necessary.
  • Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior executives on policy issues is essential.
  • Strong skills in leading cross-functional teams and aligning diverse stakeholders needed.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills required.
  • Experience with complex global policy environments and innovative solutions essential.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and execution of global engagement strategies for Oncology.
  • Serve as senior Oncology policy expert to global organizations and forums.
  • Partner with senior leaders to inform enterprise strategies and business plans.
  • Lead a team focused on priority tumor areas, ensuring alignment with strategy.
  • Identify global public health trends to advise senior leadership on implications.
  • Strengthen strategic relationships with public health leaders to support priorities.
  • Oversee briefing materials for senior leadership engagements with policy stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangements available.
  • Opportunity to lead critical oncology policy initiatives.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams globally.
  • Access to influential global health organizations and networks.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Executive Director will serve as the company's senior Oncology policy and public affairs representative and lead the development and execution of integrated policy and engagement strategies with global stakeholders and public health organizations focused on Oncology. The role will support enterprise objectives across inline and pipeline products, including the development of policy, financing, and access solutions in markets worldwide.

The Executive Director will lead a team of three tumor policy experts and partner with policy and cross-functional leaders to develop and execute enterprise-wide strategies that advance key therapeutic area objectives.

This position reports to the Associate Vice President, Oncology Policy, and will be based in Upper Gwynedd (PA), Rahway, NJ, or Washington, DC.

Scope of Work and Core Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and execution of integrated engagement strategies with global public health organizations focused on Oncology in support of enterprise objectives across inline and pipeline products.
  • Serve as the company's senior Oncology policy expert and public affairs representative to global oncology organizations and multilateral forums, helping to develop, shape, and influence key public health policies and positions.
  • Partner with senior Oncology commercial and cross-functional leaders to provide policy, geopolitical, and public health expertise that informs enterprise strategies and business plans.
  • Lead a team of three professionals focused on priority tumor areas and ensure alignment with the overall Oncology Policy strategy.
  • Identify emerging global public health, policy, and geopolitical trends and advise senior leadership on risks, opportunities, and implications for enterprise strategy.
  • Foster and strengthen strategic relationships with senior leaders across global public health organizations to advance enterprise priorities and support long-term organizational objectives.
  • Oversee the development of briefing materials to support senior leadership engagements with policymakers, public health leaders, and internal stakeholders.
  • Lead the development of internal and external narratives that effectively communicate key developments, strategic priorities, and enterprise positions related to global public health organizations.
  • Drive strategies to maximize the impact of engagement with trade associations and global health coalitions, including participation and leadership in relevant working groups, task forces, and committees.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, priority setting, and performance evaluation processes for the Global Public Policy function.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
  • Required: Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field (e.g., MPP, MPH/MSPH, MPA, PhD, JD).
  • 15+ years of experience in global Oncology policy, including significant engagement with global public health organizations (e.g., WHO) and/or direct experience within those institutions.
  • Demonstrated success in shaping public policy and advancing strategic objectives through engagement with global institutions, multilateral organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, and other influential stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to provide strategic thought leadership and counsel to senior executives on complex policy, geopolitical, and public health issues.
  • Demonstrated team leadership skills and the ability to lead across highly matrixed, cross-functional organizations and drive alignment around enterprise priorities.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the development of executive-level briefing materials, presentations, and strategic communications.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate complex global policy, regulatory, and legislative environments; anticipate emerging issues; and develop innovative, enterprise-wide solutions.
  • Strong program and project leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic priorities in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments.
  • Experience leading and collaborating across culturally diverse global teams and fostering strong internal and external partnerships.
  • Fluency in English, both written and verbal.


Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Advocacy Campaigns, Advocacy Communications, Animal Health Care, Business Administration, Communication Coordination, Compliance Support, Cytopathology, EU Policy Making, Global Policy, Global Team Collaboration, Healthcare Policies, Market Access, Multilateral Organizations, Noncommunicable Diseases, Oncology, Outcomes Research, Pathology, Patient Advocacy, Personal Initiative, Pipeline Development, Policy Development, Political Forums, Regulatory Development {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:
09/11/2026
*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.

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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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