Director, Media Planning/Strategy
Overview
The Director, Strategy is responsible for leading the development and execution of integrated media strategies across pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. This role provides strategic leadership to account teams, oversees cross-channel media planning, and serves as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Lead the development of audience-centric, insight-driven media strategies across HCP, DTC, Payer, and other healthcare audiences.
Oversee the strategic direction, channel architecture, and budget allocation across assigned accounts.
Translate business objectives, market dynamics, customer insights, and performance data into actionable media recommendations.
Guide teams through annual planning, tactical planning, optimization, and measurement processes.
Ensure media strategies align with broader brand, marketing, and business objectives.
Partner with analytics, investment, activation, and client engagement teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Identify opportunities to introduce innovative media approaches, emerging channels, and evolving healthcare marketing trends.
Contribute strategic expertise to new business opportunities, pitches, and agency initiatives.
Client Leadership
Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders.
Serve as a strategic consultant, helping clients navigate complex marketing challenges and opportunities.
Present media recommendations, strategic rationale, and performance insights with confidence and clarity.
Anticipate client needs and proactively provide solutions that support business growth.
Elevate the quality and strategic rigor of all client-facing deliverables.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop Strategy team members across assigned accounts.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and career development support.
Ensure team members are trained on agency processes, planning frameworks, and media tools.
Support onboarding and integration of new hires.
Participate in performance management, goal setting, and talent review processes.
Help recruit, interview, and retain top strategic talent.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Client Engagement, Analytics, Investment, Activation, and Creative teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
Align stakeholders around strategic recommendations and account priorities.
Represent media strategy perspectives in internal and external meetings.
Help establish processes that improve efficiency, quality, and collaboration across teams.
Contribute to agency thought leadership and strategic best practices.
Requirements
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated success building relationships with clients, internal partners, and senior stakeholders.
Strong presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
Ability to influence decision-making through data, insights, and strategic recommendations.
Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to coaching and team development.
Qualifications
8+ years of media strategy, planning, or integrated marketing experience.
3+ years of people management experience.
Pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences marketing experience required.
Experience developing omnichannel media strategies across HCP and DTC audiences.
Strong understanding of media research, planning, and measurement tools.
Experience managing multiple brands, clients, and cross-functional teams.