Director, Planning - VP

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of integrated media plans across traditional and digital channels, ensuring alignment with client business objectives.
• Oversee media planning for pharmaceutical brands across DTC and HCP audiences, with particular emphasis on consumer-focused campaigns.
• Translate audience insights, market dynamics, and performance data into thoughtful media recommendations.
• Guide channel selection, investment allocation, and media planning decisions to maximize campaign effectiveness.
• Partner closely with strategy, analytics, investment, and activation teams to develop cohesive, insight-driven media solutions.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen media plans, improve performance, and deliver greater value to clients.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day media planning lead for a key pharmaceutical client, independently managing senior-level relationships and strategic conversations.
• Build credibility and trust by clearly communicating the thinking, data, and rationale behind media recommendations.
• Confidently navigate client questions and concerns, offering informed perspectives and constructive solutions.
• Lead client presentations, planning discussions, and business reviews, making complex media concepts accessible and relevant to business objectives.

Requirements

• Significant experience in media planning within an advertising or media agency environment, including leadership of complex client accounts.
• Strong pharmaceutical or healthcare media experience, including hands-on exposure to DTC campaigns; HCP planning experience is highly valued.
• Demonstrated expertise in integrated media planning across digital and traditional channels.
• Proven ability to independently manage senior client relationships, lead strategic discussions, and influence media investment decisions.
• Strong understanding of media planning principles, audience strategy, channel selection, budget allocation, and performance measurement.
• Experience translating complex media concepts and data into clear, compelling recommendations for clients with varying levels of media knowledge.
• Demonstrated success navigating challenging client conversations, managing expectations, and building long-term relationships.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing media planning professionals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced agency environment.