Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy
Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy
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Job Description
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 4000 colleagues across R&D Manufacturing Operations and Human and Animal Health our organisation is entering an exciting new chapterplanning 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 organisations 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 colleagues3 direct and 10 indirect reportsyou 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 organisations 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 organisations 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:
RegularRelocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Required Skills:
Biopharmaceutical Industry Biopharmaceutical Industry Biopharmaceuticals Communication Communications Planning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Customer-Focused Data Analysis Developing Pricing Strategies Direct Marketing External Communication Healthcare Policies Interpersonal Relationships Management Process Market Access Market Access Strategies Market Research Operational Marketing Patient Advocacy People Leadership Policy Analysis Policy Development Policy Management Pricing Processes Product Management 5 morePreferred Skills:
Job Posting End Date:
09/17/2025*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.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
