Associate Director, Brand Strategy (Pharma)

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.

This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

As our Associate Director, Brand Strategy in Pharma & Rare Disease you will…

Leverage your marketing expertise in high-science disease states to lead and innovate across key strategic areas. You will serve as the engine of our strategic process - partnering with teams to define and segment complex audiences (HCPs, Patients, and Caregivers), map journeys, and identify and shape high-impact market opportunities. Your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable narratives will drive tangible business results for our clients

Be Accountable and Responsible 

• Strategic Execution: Work independently to drive the development of a range of deliverables, ranging from audience segmentation and brand foundations to strategic plans. You will define and craft these deliverables within the context of both strategy-led projects and broader integrated agency work
• Research & Data Synthesis: Drive the development of specific research elements and lead interviews (where applicable) and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to build an expert understanding of the client’s business, market, and customer base. Use these insights to independently uncover the "human truths" that fuel both brand and creative strategies while supporting the creation of high-impact strategic solutions
• Presentation & Storytelling Mastery: Expertly shape and integrate storytelling into client-facing deliverables, marrying complex data with persuasive narratives to support brand goals. You will convincingly present a full range of strategic outputs and support team members in developing their own storytelling skills
• Workshop Facilitation: Contribute to and lead client workshops (e.g., brand brainstorms or strategic work sessions), utilizing platforms like Miro to foster collaborative problem-solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Consistently identify opportunities to partner across different strategy roles and the wider MERGE organization to maximize client value. You are expected to foster this collaborative, growth-oriented mindset among junior strategy personnel
• AI & Innovation: Maintain proficiency with AI-driven strategic tools and proprietary platforms to enhance research efficiency and validate brand hypotheses. Demonstrate consistent curiosity regarding new technologies and offerings within MERGE that can enhance client work

These are the qualifications we’re looking for

• Experience: 7+ years of professional experience, with at least 2+ years in an agency or consultancy
• Pharma/Rare Disease Focus: Proven ability to apply strategic principles across complex disease states and everyday chronic conditions, navigating the unique regulatory and emotional landscapes of rare disease marketing, while having a clear grasp of mainstream pharma marketing principles 
• Storytelling Mastery: Demonstrated ability to marry data with storytelling, presenting a compelling vision to clients that inspires investment and creative excellence
• Strategic Fluency: Mastery of the modern strategist's toolkit, including audience definition, segmentation, and the authoring of insightful briefs
• Executive Presence and Communication Skills: Strong ability to consult with senior clients and lead cross-functional teams with exceptional communication skills 
• Thrives in change: Motivated by adaptability, demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial spirit 

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $86,000 - $123,900, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.  

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

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And here’s how we live our values at MERGE

• Ability. Mastering our craft
• Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
• Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!