Associate Director Strategy - Medical (Health)

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, 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 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

About VML Health:

VML HEALTH is a global healthcare agency that partners with healthcare clients across a broad definition of health, from high science to wellness and everything in between. It operates fluidly within the VML agency, as a core group of health specialists (a ‘vertical’) that has the benefit of autonomy in management, but with support of non-health expertise. 

At the heart of health is the story of life – all the highs and lows, ambitions, and possibilities. But facing a health challenge can suddenly pull people away from these stories, knocking them off course.

Our purpose is to bridge this gap, bringing people closer to life and all its meaning. We gain a deeper understanding of Healthcare Professionals’ and patients’ needs, behaviors and lived experiences through what we call ‘radical empathy’.

VML Health creates connected brands that get to the heart, bringing people closer to the lives they want to live.  Get to the heart. Connect for life.

What We Are Looking For:

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.

What You'll Do:

• 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.

 Who You Are:

• 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.

 What You'll Need:

• 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.
• 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.
• Familiarity with HCP and DTC marketing regulations and guidelines is preferred.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

 What We Offer:

• 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.

#vmlhealthcareers

 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

_$75,000—$180,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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