Policy and Communication Manager

Job Description **Ready to Shape the Future of Healthcare?** Are you passionate about creating meaningful change for patients and society? This is a unique opportunity to influence healthcare policy at the highest levels and champion patient advocacy in a role that combines strategic vision with real-world impact. **Purpose of the Position** As our HealthCare Policy and Patients Advocacy Manager, you will be a vital link between our company, policymakers, and patient communities. Your mission is to shape a healthcare environment in Slovakia and the EU that embraces innovation, ensuring patients have access to life-changing medicines in areas like Oncology, Vaccines, and Cardiology. You will build trusted partnerships, drive evidence-based policy discussions, and empower patient organizations to create a healthier future for all. **Welcome to Our Team** You'll be joining the Slovak Policy & Communication team—a group known for its collaborative spirit, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our purpose. We operate on a foundation of trust and transparency, where every voice is valued and open dialogue is the norm. We are a highly motivated, supportive team that believes in working together to achieve extraordinary results, and we are excited to welcome a new member who shares our passion and values. **Main Responsibilities** * Analyze & Strategize: Monitor the Slovak and EU political and healthcare landscape to identify opportunities and risks, providing strategic guidance to leadership. * Develop Policy Positions: Create evidence-based analyses, position papers, and compelling advocacy messages to support our strategic priorities. * Build Key Relationships: Develop and nurture trust-based partnerships with national policymakers, regulators, and other key government stakeholders. * Champion Patient Advocacy: Establish strong, collaborative relationships with patient organizations, supporting their empowerment and driving mutually beneficial initiatives. * Drive Industry Collaboration: Represent the company within industry associations (e.g., AIFP, AmCham), driving our agenda and building coalitions to advance shared goals. * Ensure Internal Alignment: Collaborate seamlessly across business units, leadership, and regional teams to ensure a unified and impactful approach. * Manage Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate a broad network of external partners, including medical societies and KOLs, to foster continuous dialogue on key healthcare issues. * Protect and Enhance Reputation: Shape our external communication to build a reputation based on expertise and trust, effectively managing any potential risks. **Your Profile** * Policy Expertise: You have a university degree (e.g., public health, law, economics, political science) and at least 3 years of experience in the Slovak healthcare policy environment. * Deep Understanding: You possess a thorough knowledge of Slovak legislative processes and a strong grasp of how to influence them for positive change. * Strategic & Analytical Mindset: You excel at analyzing complex information, connecting dots, and translating data into clear, actionable strategies. * Exceptional Communicator: You build relationships with ease, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and can articulate complex topics in a compelling way. * Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a cross-functional team environment and are committed to achieving results together. * Project Management Skills: You are organized, solution-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment. * Integrity and Trust: You operate with the highest level of integrity, which is essential for handling sensitive and confidential information. * Language Proficiency: You are fluent in both Slovak and English (written and spoken). **What We Offer** * A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including 5 weeks of paid holiday. * The opportunity to make a direct and significant impact on healthcare policy and patient lives. * A place in a highly motivated, supportive, and purpose-driven team where your contributions are valued. * Close coaching, mentorship, and clear pathways for your professional development and growth. * An inclusive, multinational environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our capabilities. * Enriching networking opportunities across our regional and global organization. * A promise that your time with us will broaden both your horizon and ours. **Required Skills:** Communication Strategy Development, Communications Writing, Digital Media Strategy, Healthcare Policies, Media Relations, Multichannel Communications, Policy Management, Public Speaking, Strategic Advisory, Strategic Planning **Preferred Skills:** Current Employees apply [HERE](https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld) Current Contingent Workers apply [HERE](https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld) **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:** Regular **Relocation:** **VISA Sponsorship:** **Travel Requirements:** **Flexible Work Arrangements:** Not Applicable **Shift:** **Valid Driving License:** **Hazardous Material(s):** **Job Posting End Date:** 08/14/2026 **\*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.**