Senior Vice President, Health

Highwire•San Francisco, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Vice President, Health is a strategic leadership role designed for a seasoned communications professional with deep expertise in health PR. This role is critical in driving growth, client success, and operational excellence within Highwire's dynamic, award-winning environment. Reporting to agency leadership, the SVP will lead high-impact client engagements across the health sector, spearhead business development, and mentor account teams to exceed client expectations while aligning with Highwire's core values. The ideal candidate has 13+ years of progressive experience, a proven track record managing large client portfolios across health communications sectors — including life sciences, biotech, pharma, digital health, and medtech — and the ability to inspire teams and influence clients at the highest levels. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact at a thriving agency, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and grow alongside some of the brightest talent in health communications.

Requirements

Minimum 13 years of experience in communications, with a focus on health PR — including life sciences, biotech, pharma, digital health, or medtech — with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role.
Proven success in developing and nurturing senior client relationships and managing complex, multi-stakeholder accounts within regulated health and science environments.
Exceptional media relations skills with a strong, established network of top-tier reporters and editors across health trade, consumer health, science, and medical press.
Demonstrated excellence in translating complex clinical and scientific data into strategic storytelling, content development, and media placements across print, online, and social platforms.
Experience leading integrated campaigns that combine traditional health PR with digital, social, and health influencer strategies.
Deep familiarity with FDA/regulatory communications considerations and the ability to counsel clients on sensitive, high-stakes communications challenges.
Demonstrated experience with patient advocacy engagement, health equity communications, and disease awareness program development.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with a collaborative management style.
Outstanding judgment, problem-solving ability, and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Experience establishing and tracking measurement and ROI for health communications programs.
Passion for fostering a culture that embraces Highwire's values of Fierce Distinction and Growth Mindset, and a commitment to DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) in all aspects of the role.

Responsibilities

Serve as senior strategic counsel for clients with account revenue oversight
Develop and execute innovative, results-driven communications strategies that drive measurable business outcomes and elevate client brands within the health sector.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with C-suite executives, medical affairs leaders, and senior stakeholders at client organizations, acting as a key strategic advisor.
Lead Key Opinion Leader engagement strategies that amplify scientific credibility and support disease awareness, product launches, and corporate reputation programs.
Develop and oversee patient-centric communications campaigns, health equity narratives, and disease awareness initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Navigate FDA/regulatory communications environments with sound judgment, ensuring all messaging is strategically compelling and appropriately compliant.
Lead new business development efforts by identifying opportunities within existing accounts and spearheading pitches for new clients aligned with agency growth targets.
Collaborate closely with integrated teams to deliver seamless multi-channel campaigns leveraging traditional PR, digital, social media, and health influencer engagement.
Translate complex clinical data, scientific research, and medical information into clear, compelling narratives for lay, patient, and professional audiences.
Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, mentoring, coaching, and developing account teams to maximize their potential.
Oversee staff performance management including setting objectives, monitoring development, and conducting performance reviews.
Act as a visible leader representing Highwire Health and its clients at industry events, medical conferences, and health sector forums to enhance networking and business development.
Manage client profitability by closely monitoring billability, resource allocation, and budget adherence.
Contribute to agency infrastructure initiatives that support operational efficiency, client service excellence, and talent development.
Drive a key agency cornerstone such as client service excellence, revenue growth, or operational improvements.
Collaborate with finance and operations teams as needed to manage budgets related to your accounts or client programs.