Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy

Join Us as Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy

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 visionary Director of Policy, Communications, and Patient Advocacy to 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

About Us

We are one company, but we operate under two different corporate brand names. We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as MSD everywhere else.

Required Skills:

Biopharmaceutical Industry, 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, and more.