Director, Patient Strategy, Patient Engagement

Vaniam Group

21h•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Patient Strategy shapes, leads, and activates patient-focused programs across the drug development and commercialization lifecycle. This role brings sharp strategic thinking, deeply informed patient insights, cross-functional collaboration, and a passion for elevating the patient voice in every engagement. You will partner closely with clients, internal teams, and advocacy communities to design work that drives measurable impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in public health, psychology, behavioral science, biomedical sciences, communications, or related field preferred.
7–10 years of experience in patient engagement, insights, health communications, or related strategic roles within life sciences, agency, pharma, biotech, or advocacy.
Proven experience leading multi-stakeholder programs that incorporate patient perspectives into medical affairs, commercial strategy, or clinical development.
Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle and the role of patient insights in shaping strategy.
Ability to synthesize scientific, qualitative, and behavioral insights into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.
Knowledge of how to thoughtfully, compliantly, and responsibly leverage AI tools to strengthen insights, accelerate workflows, and enhance the quality of patient-focused deliverables.
Exceptional client presence, communication, storytelling, and facilitation skills.
Comfort working with patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups in sensitive, compliant, and ethical ways.
A collaborative, proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a genuine commitment to patient-centered thinking.
Highly proficient with the following: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot), Adobe, Google or similar calendar system, and Zoom (or other similar systems) preferred
Travel within the US and internationally as necessary, based on project, sponsor, and organizational needs (<20% travel expected)

Responsibilities

Serve as the strategic lead on patient initiatives across multiple accounts, guiding teams on how to embed patient perspectives into research, content, scientific exchange, and engagement programs.
Translate complex scientific, behavioral, and qualitative insights into actionable recommendations that inform brand strategy, communications, and activation plans.
Lead co-creation activities, advisory boards, journey mapping, ambassador initiatives, insight development, and patient education programs.
Collaborate across medical, strategy, creative, research, and account teams to deliver high-quality, integrated work.
Build trusted relationships with patients, caregivers, advocates, and clinical experts to ensure relevance and authenticity in recommendations.
Strategic Leadership: Serve as the primary point of contact for patient-focused strategy, providing clear guidance, recommendations, and solutions that advance client goals.
Program Development: Build and oversee patient insights plans, advisory boards, ambassador programs, plain-language summaries, co-creation workshops, and journey-based strategic frameworks.
Presentation & Facilitation: Deliver compelling presentations and facilitate discussions with clients, cross-functional partners, and patient stakeholders.
Quality Oversight: Ensure all work meets regulatory, compliance, and scientific standards while staying grounded in the authentic patient experience.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with client services, medical communications, creative, and medical strategy teams to integrate patient insights throughout all workstreams.
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Coach junior and mid-level team members on patient engagement best practices and strategic thinking.
Process & Framework Development: Create tools, templates, and repeatable frameworks that strengthen the Patient Engagement offering and improve agency-wide capabilities.
Opportunity Identification: Spot growth opportunities within existing accounts and proactively propose new patient-focused solutions.
Proposal & SOW Development: Shape strategic sections of proposals, pitches, workshops, and SOWs related to patient insights, activation, and engagement.
Thought Leadership: Contribute to white papers, conference presentations, case studies, and internal trainings that reinforce the agency’s leadership in patient-centered work.
Networking & External Representation: Build relationships with advocacy organizations, patient communities, and industry partners to expand visibility and partnership opportunities.

Benefits

100% remote environment with opportunities for local meetups
Positive, diverse, and supportive culture
Passionate about serving clients focused on cancer and blood diseases
Investment in you with opportunities for professional growth and personal development through Vaniam Group University
Health benefits – medical, dental, vision
Generous parental leave benefit
Focused on your financial future with a 401(k) plan and company match
Work-life balance and flexibility
Flexible time off policy for rest and relaxation
Volunteer time off for community involvement
Emphasis on personal wellness
Virtual workout classes
Discounts on tickets, events, hotels, childcare, groceries, etc.
Employee assistance programs