Associate Director, Paid Social (Life Sciences / Pharma Focus)

Merge • Chicago, IL

2d • $86,450 - $103,750 • Hybrid

About The Position

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, Paid Social, you will lead the development and execution of high-impact paid social strategies for one or more clients, with a strong emphasis on Life Sciences and pharmaceutical brands. You bring deep expertise navigating regulated environments and understand how to balance performance, compliance, and innovation across platforms. You’ll partner cross-functionally to translate complex business and marketing objectives into scalable, data-driven paid social programs. This role requires a strategic thinker who can push performance forward while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and delivering measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

• 8–10 years of paid social strategy and execution experience
• Demonstrated experience working in Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries
• Strong understanding of regulatory considerations, including MLR processes and compliance requirements in paid media
• Proven ability to lead full-funnel paid social programs, including HCP and patient-focused campaigns
• Deep platform expertise across Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, Reddit and other emerging paid social channels
• Strong analytical mindset with experience translating performance data into strategic recommendations
• Experience with social analytics, measurement frameworks, and platform tools (e.g., Sprinklr, platform-native tools, third-party measurement solutions)
• Ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on operator when needed
• Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to simplify complex strategies for executive audiences
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of paid social campaigns across platforms such as Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, and emerging channels
• Develop full-funnel paid social approaches tailored to Life Sciences and pharma brands, including HCP and patient targeting strategies
• Ensure all campaigns meet regulatory, legal, and compliance standards (MLR familiarity required) while maintaining performance rigor
• Partner with cross-functional teams (media, analytics, strategy, creative, and client services) to deliver integrated marketing initiatives
• Own paid social performance, including optimization strategies, testing frameworks, and continuous improvement plans
• Translate data into actionable insights, delivering clear, executive-level reporting and recommendations
• Manage and forecast paid social budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and strong return on investment
• Oversee platform best practices, staying ahead of changes in privacy, targeting, and platform capabilities—especially within regulated categories
• Guide audience strategy development, including first-party data, privacy-safe targeting, and platform-native solutions
• Serve as a senior client lead, providing strategic guidance and building strong, trusted relationships
• Contribute to new business efforts, including paid social strategy development, pharma-specific POVs, and pitch presentations
• Elevate internal standards and processes for paid social excellence, particularly within regulated verticals

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees