Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy Haarlem • MSD Nederland

Vacature in het kort

Volledige vacaturetekst

Job Description

Are you passionate about shaping health policy, advancing equitable access to innovation, and making a meaningful difference in patient advocacy?

We are seeking a collaborative and visionaryDirector of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacyto lead our efforts in policy development, communications, and stakeholder engagement in the Netherlands.

With over 70 years of Dutch innovation and a diverse team of more than 4,000 colleagues across R&D, Manufacturing, Operations, and Human and Animal Health, our organisation is entering an exciting new chapter—planning to launch over 20 new vaccines and medicines in the next five years. Join us in our shared mission to improve health and well-being for people and communities around the world.

Welcome to Our Team

As part of our organisation in the Netherlands, you will report directly to the Managing Director and be a key member of the Country Leadership Team. You will collaborate closely with leaders in Market Access, Medical Affairs, and Business Units to shape our external affairs strategy and strengthen our presence in the healthcare ecosystem.

Purpose of the Position

In this role, you will play a vital part in shaping and implementing our organisation’s strategic policy plan. You will increase our visibility and reputation while building strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, patient organizations, and media representatives. You will represent our organisation in external forums and lead initiatives that reflect our shared values and business priorities. Leading a team of 13 colleagues—3 direct and 10 indirect reports—you will cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing team environment. Building meaningful connections with stakeholders is a key part of your role.

As a leader within the country leadership team, you will serve as a prominent representative of the organisation, focusing on the economic and social impact of our work. This dual enterprise-level role involves shaping how the organisation engages with government entities and other external partners. You will act as the policy lead within the country leadership team, working closely with government bodies.

Additionally, you will be the organisation’s spokesperson, engaging with customers, the public, and government affairs to ensure our message is communicated clearly, authentically, and inclusively.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of our organisation’s strategic policy plan.

• Organize and participate in political meetings, roundtables, seminars, and conferences.

• Build coalitions and partnerships with key policy stakeholders and patient advocacy groups.

• Act as spokesperson for our organisation in media and stakeholder engagements.

• Manage crisis communications and oversee external campaigns.

• Represent our organisation in industry associations and relevant networks.

• Advise leadership on external communication, patient engagement, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

• Coordinate PR, advertising, and promotional agencies.

• Drive patient-centric initiatives and vaccine policy messaging.

• Monitor health policy developments and apply internal policy analysis tools.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver integrated policy and communication strategies.

Your Profile

• At least 5 years of experience in health policy or external affairs.

• Background in political organizations, government, consultancy, or pharmaceutical industry.

• Deep understanding of Dutch policy and legislative processes.

• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking abilities.

• Fluency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

• A strong ethical foundation, growth mindset, and commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

What We Offer

We invite you to join a truly global, dynamic, and supportive environment with excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. Our benefits package is competitive and designed to support your well-being and career growth:

• Competitive salary

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan

• Competitive Pension Plan

• Lease car

• 25 days of leave

• Attractive collective health care insurance package with significant discounts

• Senior Leadership Development Program for long-term career growth

• Numerous training, coaching, and e-learning modules to support your ongoing development

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R362991