Associate Director Strategy

About the role

A highly motivated and insightful Medical Strategist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of medical science and communications, a passion for healthcare marketing, and a proven ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives. We seek a collaborative individual who can work effectively with cross-functional teams, contribute to new business pitches, and provide strategic medical guidance to our clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of medical literature, clinical trial data, and competitive intelligence to identify key insights and unmet needs within specific therapeutic areas.
• Translate complex scientific data and medical concepts into clear, concise, and engaging narratives that resonate with target audiences, including healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients.
• Contribute to the development of a wide range of medical communication materials, including slide decks, manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and digital content, ensuring scientific accuracy and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Support the identification and engagement of key opinion leaders (KOLs), participating in KOL interviews and contributing to the development of discussion guides and research stimuli.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by providing medical strategy expertise and presenting strategic recommendations.
• Contribute to new business pitches by conducting background research, developing medical content for proposals, and participating in pitch presentations.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including scientific, creative, and account teams, to ensure seamless integration of medical strategy across all aspects of client projects.
• Support the development of patient and HCP journeys by conducting research, analyzing data, and identifying key insights and opportunities.
• Continuously monitor industry trends, emerging scientific data, and evolving regulatory guidelines to inform strategic recommendations.

Requirements

• A degree in a scientific or medical field (e.g., biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or a related discipline).
• An advanced degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD, MD) is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of experience in medical communications, medical strategy, or a related field within the healthcare industry. Agency experience is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with HCP and DTC marketing regulations and guidelines.
• A strong understanding of medical science, clinical trial data, and regulatory guidelines relevant to the healthcare industry.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and engaging content for diverse audiences, including HCPs and patients.
• Experience in developing a variety of medical communication materials, such as slide decks, manuscripts, abstracts, and digital content.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience with literature reviews, competitive intelligence gathering, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with KOL identification and engagement is a plus.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• A degree in a scientific or medical field (e.g., biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or a related discipline).
• An advanced degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD, MD) is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of experience in medical communications, medical strategy, or a related field within the healthcare industry. Agency experience is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with HCP and DTC marketing regulations and guidelines.
• A strong understanding of medical science, clinical trial data, and regulatory guidelines relevant to the healthcare industry.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and engaging content for diverse audiences, including HCPs and patients.
• Experience in developing a variety of medical communication materials, such as slide decks, manuscripts, abstracts, and digital content.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience with literature reviews, competitive intelligence gathering, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with KOL identification and engagement is a plus.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Skills

• A critical and analytical thinker with a strong understanding of medical science and communications.
• A collaborative team player who excels at working with cross-functional teams and building strong client relationships.
• An excellent written and verbal communicator, with the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear and engaging narratives.
• A proactive and self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for healthcare marketing.
• A continuous learner who stays up-to-date on industry trends and emerging scientific data.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package, including the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision), a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness. We also provide a hybrid work schedule, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. For more information, please visit www.vml.com.

Pay

$75,000—$180,000 USD

Schedule

Average of four days a week in the office, with a flexible remote work option.