Director, Pharma Media

MERGE•Raleigh, NC

14h•$106,200 - $127,450•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 Director, Pharma Media, you will help lead media strategy and delivery across one of our fastest-growing areas of pharmaceutical work. In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll own day-to-day media strategy for assigned accounts, build connected HCP and DTC audience plans, and serve as a trusted partner to both clients and internal practice leads. You’ll bring the agility to adapt quickly in a changing industry, the sharp ability to connect media execution to real client goals, and the humility to collaborate seamlessly across cross-functional teams.

Requirements

7+ years of media experience, including meaningful depth in pharma marketing and HCP strategy.
Oncology experience—especially across integrated HCP and DTC programs—is highly desired.
Ability to navigate multiple workstreams with ease and stay naturally curious about new channels, changing search landscapes, AI, and industry developments.
Practical understanding of how patient-level data, MMM, attribution, and experimentation inform smarter media planning.
Ability to understand findings and apply them to strategic decisions.
Dependable team player who loves working alongside analytics, measurement, and channel specialists to deliver unified, best-in-class work without letting ego get in the way.
Excel at turning complex media and measurement concepts into simple, actionable recommendations for clients and internal partners alike.

Nice To Haves

Earlier hands-on execution experience in programmatic, paid search, SEO/GEO, or paid social is a great plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day media strategy development and client relationships for pharmaceutical accounts, focusing heavily on HCP audiences and integrated HCP/DTC programs.
Translate client business objectives into clear audience strategies, channel recommendations, activation priorities, and optimization plans across HCP and DTC segments.
Collaborate closely with MERGE’s Applied Intelligence, Discoverability, Programmatic, and Social teams to deliver seamless, fully integrated media solutions and bring data insights directly into planning.
Monitor active program performance, guide teams in translating data into actionable optimizations, and keep campaigns aligned with client objectives.
Help identify organic growth opportunities by introducing clients to MERGE’s differentiated offerings—such as HCP + DTC Performance Link, HCP/DTC Maestro, and Decision-Back consulting—while supporting new business pitches.
Guide and mentor junior team members while staying continuously current on pharma marketing shifts, HCP behaviors, AI, privacy, and emerging channels.