Director, Policy & Communications

MSD

. Develop and execute engagement strategies with global vaccines and infectious diseases public health organizations, including Gavi, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, and WHO .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $173,200 - $272,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in global vaccines and infectious diseases public policy, with strong capabilities in strategic thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication. Proven ability to navigate complex policy environments and drive alignment across diverse teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Global Vaccines And Infectious Diseases Public PolicyStrategic Thought LeadershipStakeholder EngagementProject ManagementVerbal And Written Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public Policy AnalysisPolicy DevelopmentStrategic PlanningIssue ManagementBriefing Material Preparation

Soft Skills

Influencing Without AuthorityCollaborationCultural SensitivityAdaptabilityProblem Solving

Industry Keywords

Public HealthGlobal Health OrganizationsMultilateral EngagementsTrade AssociationsGeopolitical Dynamics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute engagement strategies with global vaccines and infectious diseases public health organizations, including Gavi, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, and WHO
Coordinate and provide company input into position papers, recommendations, and other public policy instruments
Inform commercial strategies and cross-functional plans with policy and political insights
Represent Global Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Policy in multilateral engagements and support related materials and trackers
Monitor and analyze the policy environment and provide updates and briefings on global organization dynamics
Prepare briefing materials and presentations for senior leadership engagements with policymakers, public health experts, and internal stakeholders
Develop and socialize internal and external narratives communicating key developments involving global policy organizations
Drive engagement strategies with trade associations, including participation in working groups and committees
Contribute to quarterly and annual strategic planning and evaluation for the Global Public Policy function
Facilitate coordination and communication across local, regional, and global teams
Assess implications for headquarters and geographies, including relevant geopolitical dynamics
Represent the company in industry association committees, multilateral engagements, and external fora
Report to the Executive Director, Global Public Health Organizations for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field
Minimum 10 years of experience in global vaccines and infectious diseases public policy, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with global public health organizations, or direct experience working within that sector
Experience providing strategic thought leadership and issue management to global institutions, think tanks, and advocacy organizations to help shape policy
Ability to work across diverse, matrixed teams; influence without authority; and drive alignment toward shared goals
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including development of briefing materials and presentations for executive audiences
Ability to engage effectively with senior leadership and high-level external stakeholders
Ability to navigate complex policy, regulatory, and legislative environments; think strategically; and develop innovative solutions
Strong project management skills, with ability to manage competing priorities in time-sensitive environments
Experience working across culturally diverse teams with a high degree of collaboration
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time
Fluent in English (written and verbal)
No visa sponsorship
Regular employee status
No valid driving license required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus
Long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Hybrid work arrangement
No relocation required