Sr. Spclst, Policy & Communications

Job Description

About the role

The Communications & Public Affairs Manager will lead and deliver external communications and public affairs activity to strengthen brand and corporate reputation, build trust with key audiences, and support shaping a positive policy environment. This role will develop and execute integrated communications plans, partner closely with cross-functional teams, and engage with external stakeholders to advance shared goals. The role operates in a highly regulated environment and must ensure all external communications and stakeholder interactions meet strict compliance, governance and approval requirements.

Primary Activities

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

• External communications strategy and delivery:

  • Develop and deliver external communications plans that support brand communications, strengthen corporate reputation, and align to business priorities.

  • Create and maintain core narratives, messaging and content (e.g., media materials, statements, Q&As, speeches, social/owned channel copy), ensuring consistency of voice and accuracy.

• Media relations and proactive storytelling:

  • Build and maintain relationships with journalists and key outlets; understand and navigate the Australian media landscape to identify opportunities and manage risk.

  • Pitch stories and develop media engagement plans in partnership with internal subject matter experts; prepare and coach spokespeople as required.

• Issues and reputation management:

  • Monitor the external environment for emerging issues, stakeholder sentiment and media risks; provide timely counsel and recommended actions.

  • Support the development and execution of issues/crisis response materials (holding statements, Q&As, key messages) in line with governance and approvals.

• External stakeholder partnerships and public affairs:

  • Partner with external organisations, including industry associations, patient groups, and other stakeholders to plan and deliver communications and public affairs activities that advance shared outcomes.

  • Support shaping the policy environment through stakeholder engagement and external communications that are evidence-based and aligned with corporate positions.

• Cross-functional collaboration, governance and measurement:

  • Work effectively across functions (e.g., medical, commercial, market access, regulatory, legal and compliance) to develop creative, compliant communications solutions and ensure appropriate review/approval pathways are followed.

  • Manage external partners as needed (e.g., PR/communications agencies); track performance and report on outcomes using agreed measures.

 

Key Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualifications and Competencies required 

 

• Experience:

  • Demonstrated experience in external communications and/or public affairs (pharmaceutical/healthcare sector or agency experience strongly preferred), including planning and delivering campaigns and media engagement.

• Skills:

  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear messages and pitch compelling stories.

  • Strong knowledge of the Australian media landscape and external stakeholder environment, with sound judgement and an issues-aware mindset.

  • Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with external organisations to deliver joint communications/public affairs initiatives.

  • Highly collaborative and able to influence across cross-functional teams; comfortable working with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts.

  • Creativity and strong project management skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality work at pace while operating within strict compliance, governance and approval requirements.

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, health, or a related field; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Brand Marketing, Campaign Management, Communication Coordination, Communication Delivery, Communications Strategy, Community Interaction, Content Management Systems (CMS), Event Planning, External Communication, Healthcare Policies, Market Access, Marketing Communications (MarCom), Media Purchase, Media Relations, Pharmacoeconomics, Policy Development, Public Affairs, Public Relations (PR), Public Relations Services, Reputation Management, Research Networks, Social Media Platform, Stakeholder Engagement {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/11/2026

*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.