Director Strategy - Brand (Health)

New York City, NY (Hybrid)

$75K/yr – $180K/yrDirector/Executive5+ years expFull time

Posted 7 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own healthcare research programs and mentor junior strategists to turn customer journeys into actionable insights for client storytelling.

  • Lead research programs on healthcare customer journeys, mentoring juniors and shaping objectives, methods, and insights.
  • Develop analytical frameworks and pressure-test analyses to produce actionable implications and client-ready recommendations.
  • Partner with Medical Strategy to craft MOAs, RTBs, and differentiated positioning, and run positioning workshops with clients.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead and supervise junior strategists in developing comprehensive customer journeys, uncovering marketing and communication opportunities around key pain points.
  • Guide junior strategists through the research process, from setting clear objectives to selecting appropriate methodologies and ensuring robust analysis.
  • Structure research design to meet project needs and ensure key insights and implications are identified and clearly communicated.
  • Guide junior strategists in developing analytical frameworks and pressure-test their analyses, ensuring actionable implications and recommendations.
  • Craft insights that can unlock behavior changes, inform brand positioning, and drive creative "sparks."
  • Partner with Medical Strategy to develop a deep understanding of mechanisms of action (MOAs), potential benefits, reasons to believe (RTBs), and points of differentiation. Independently craft compelling and differentiated positioning statements.
  • Participate in and lead positioning workshops with clients, effectively communicating complex information and building consensus.
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director and Medical Strategy to prepare background briefing documents that provide context and strategic direction for creative development.
  • Develop workshop proposals, manage logistics, and create engaging materials. Lead junior strategists in formulating objectives, ideating approaches, and developing pre-reads and exercises.
  • Lead all background analyses and research for pitches, generating customer insights and developing compelling story arcs. Prepare critical elements/sections of the pitch deck.

Requirements

  • 5-7 years of experience in market research and strategic planning, with a demonstrated focus on the healthcare industry.
  • Proven experience in leading and managing research projects, from ideation to execution and reporting.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable insights.
  • Experience in developing customer journeys, identifying pain points, and uncovering customer attitudes and behaviors.
  • Expertise in crafting compelling positioning statements and creative briefs.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey strategic recommendations to clients and internal teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Excel, for creating presentations and analyzing data.
  • HCP and DTC marketing agency experience.
  • Brand launch experience is preferred.
  • A collaborative and team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

  • Passionate, driven people: We champion a culture of people who do extraordinary work.
  • Consciously cultivated culture: We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
  • Competitive benefits: What we offer full-time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to 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.
  • Growth-minded opportunities: We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, a growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
VML HEALTH logo

VML HEALTH

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Intel, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester WaveTM Reports, which name WPP a “Leader” in Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 28,000 talented people across 60-plus markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. #WeAreVML

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