Associate Director, Global Communications

Associate Director, Global Communications

Join MSD as the Associate Director, Global Communications and lead communications for the Asia Pacific region. You will shape the future of our medicines and vaccines portfolio and enhance our company’s reputation across the region.

Job Description

You will support the development and execution of our company’s external and internal communications strategy across the AP region, collaborating with key stakeholders to support therapeutic area communications, inform and educate media, drive employee engagement, and build a strong reputation for MSD.

The role is based in Singapore with regional travel as needed; no relocation support is provided.

What Will You Do

Therapeutic Area Communications

• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams on the development and activation of integrated, comprehensive communications strategies and programs.
• Focus on product communications across Oncology, Vaccines, Pharma portfolios, and late‑stage pipeline, including launch preparedness for new assets.
• Manage public relations agencies and program budgets to implement best‑in‑class communications plans.
• Proactively support issue preparedness and crisis management, including market support, scenario planning, material development, and training.

Media Relations and Social Media

• Champion the use of social media to raise company awareness and advance business, policy, and reputation objectives.
• Maintain relationships with journalists and develop timely, impactful media relations activities such as events, briefings, campaigns, interviews, and material development.
• Support the Director of Communications in leading and implementing regional media relations and key external communications activities.
• Advisory role for Regional Leadership and markets on social media strategy and tactics, evaluating engagement opportunities.

Leadership Communications and Employee Engagement

• Oversee internal communications programs that strengthen employee engagement and foster a culture of transparency.
• Assist in preparing regional leader communications, including briefing notes, town halls, business updates, emails, videos, and supporting material.
• Develop impactful editorial content for internal channels to inform and engage employees.

Support to Asia Pacific In‑Market Communicators

• Provide regular support and guidance to country teams to build communications capabilities and advance business objectives.
• Ensure regional and local alignment with Global Communications strategies for therapeutic area and product communications, media relations, employee communications, issues management, and compliance.

What Should You Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs, or public relations, preferably in a multinational organization or agency, with pharmaceutical experience at a global, publicly traded company desired.
• Product communications and launch experience highly desirable.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence in leading and providing counsel to executives to support business goals.
• Experience living and working in the Asia Pacific region with a deep understanding of the region’s healthcare landscape.
• Expert knowledge of media relations, internal communications, and social media, including press releases, key messaging, and speeches.
• Strong knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector, regulatory environment, and established relationships within the Asia Pacific media landscape.
• Ability to identify strategic priorities, bring diverse stakeholders together, and move agendas forward to resolution.
• Proven track record of proactive issues management and crisis preparedness.
• Collaborative ability in a highly matrixed environment with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Exceptional written, oral, and editorial communication skills and proficiency in English.
• Results‑oriented, problem‑solver with a proactive approach to shaping the external environment.
• Team player and collaborative spirit in a fast‑paced environment.

Company Overview

MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA) has been advancing medicines and vaccines for more than a century, bringing innovative health solutions worldwide.

We Look For

A role that lets you help save and improve lives globally. The team values curiosity, empathy, creativity, and scientific excellence. Join us and start making an impact today.

Requisition ID

R

Seniority Level

Not Applicable

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industry

Biotechnology Research, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Veterinary Services

Job Posting End Date

02/09/2026