Senior Vice President, Health

About the role

The Senior Vice President, Health is a strategic leadership role designed for a seasoned communications professional with deep expertise in health PR. This role is critical in driving growth, client success, and operational excellence within Highwire's dynamic, award-winning environment. Reporting to agency leadership, the SVP will lead high-impact client engagements across the health sector, spearhead business development, and mentor account teams to exceed client expectations while aligning with Highwire's core values.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as senior strategic counsel for clients with account revenue oversight
• Develop and execute innovative, results-driven communications strategies that drive measurable business outcomes and elevate client brands within the health sector
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with C-suite executives, medical affairs leaders, and senior stakeholders at client organizations, acting as a key strategic advisor
• Lead Key Opinion Leader engagement strategies that amplify scientific credibility and support disease awareness, product launches, and corporate reputation programs
• Develop and oversee patient-centric communications campaigns, health equity narratives, and disease awareness initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences
• Navigate FDA/regulatory communications environments with sound judgment, ensuring all messaging is strategically compelling and appropriately compliant
• Lead new business development efforts by identifying opportunities within existing accounts and spearheading pitches for new clients aligned with agency growth targets
• Collaborate closely with integrated teams to deliver seamless multi-channel campaigns leveraging traditional PR, digital, social media, and health influencer engagement
• Translate complex clinical data, scientific research, and medical information into clear, compelling narratives for lay, patient, and professional audiences
• Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, mentoring, coaching, and developing account teams to maximize their potential
• Oversee staff performance management including setting objectives, monitoring development, and conducting performance reviews
• Act as a visible leader representing Highwire Health and its clients at industry events, medical conferences, and health sector forums to enhance networking and business development
• Manage client profitability by closely monitoring billability, resource allocation, and budget adherence
• Contribute to agency infrastructure initiatives that support operational efficiency, client service excellence, and talent development
• Drive a key agency cornerstone such as client service excellence, revenue growth, or operational improvements
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams as needed to manage budgets related to your accounts or client programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 13 years of experience in communications, with a focus on health PR — including life sciences, biotech, pharma, digital health, or medtech — with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role
• Proven success in developing and nurturing senior client relationships and managing complex, multi-stakeholder accounts within regulated health and science environments
• Exceptional media relations skills with a strong, established network of top-tier reporters and editors across health trade, consumer health, science, and medical press
• Demonstrated excellence in translating complex clinical and scientific data into strategic storytelling, content development, and media placements across print, online, and social platforms
• Experience leading integrated campaigns that combine traditional health PR with digital, social, and health influencer strategies
• Deep familiarity with FDA/regulatory communications considerations and the ability to counsel clients on sensitive, high-stakes communications challenges
• Demonstrated experience with patient advocacy engagement, health equity communications, and disease awareness program development
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with a collaborative management style
• Outstanding judgment, problem-solving ability, and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Experience establishing and tracking measurement and ROI for health communications programs
• Passion for fostering a culture that embraces Highwire's values of Fierce Distinction and Growth Mindset, and a commitment to DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) in all aspects of the role

Pay

The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $225,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & work environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live. Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week. Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.