Strategy Director

FWD People•Brooklyn, NY

9d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FWD People is a full-service strategic marketing agency delivering meaningful and measurable results in the health and non-profit sectors. We take pride in being our clients’ trusted strategic partner—staying ahead of the curve, and leveraging our expertise and foresight to help them navigate change and seize opportunities. We approach every challenge with a commitment to innovation, excellence, and empathy, and we seek the same qualities in our leaders. As a fast-growing, senior team, we’re excited to welcome more forward-thinking individuals who will help us drive growth, foster positive change within our clients’ industries, and have fun along the way. As a Strategy Director , you’ll bring clarity to complexity—translating data, insights, and science into ideas that move people and brands. You’ll lead the strategic development for key healthcare and biotech clients, shaping positioning, creative platforms, and campaigns that connect meaningfully with audiences. The right person is equal parts thinker and doer: confident crafting brand narratives and frameworks, and just as comfortable rolling up their sleeves to co-create briefs, lead workshops, and collaborate closely with creative and account teams. At FWD, we care deeply about our work and the people we work with — we take our no-jerk policy seriously. You’ll thrive here if you bring ownership without ego, a sense of humor, and a love of building teams and brands that matter.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in brand, communications, or engagement strategy within an agency or consultancy.
Proven ability to define and articulate brand narratives, frameworks, and creative strategies that drive impact.
Strong storytelling and presentation skills; able to translate complex insights into compelling, actionable ideas.
Experience leading workshops and client work sessions that foster alignment and shared ownership.
Fluency in frameworks and tools (e.g., Brand Diamond, 4Cs, OGSM, journey maps) and comfort applying them across categories.
Experience bridging strategy and creative execution, partnering cross-functionally to bring ideas to life.

Nice To Haves

Background in healthcare, biotech, or life sciences; oncology or rare disease experience a plus.
Familiarity with regulatory environments and experience working within MLR processes a bonus.
Collaborative, curious, and pragmatic with a balance of big-picture vision and hands-on execution.
Ownership without ego. You’re energized by bringing clarity to complex challenges and inspiring others to do their best work.

Responsibilities

Shape brands and businesses: define positioning, purpose, and value propositions that help clients stand apart in complex categories.
Clarify the complicated: distill clinical, behavioral, and competitive data into sharp, simple strategic stories that guide creative work.
Bridge disciplines: partner with account, creative, and medical strategy to connect brand thinking to activation, channel, and experience.
Inspire creativity: translate insights into powerful briefs and frameworks that fuel great ideas—and elevate them through thoughtful feedback.
Facilitate and guide: lead workshops, co-creation sessions, and client conversations that build belief and alignment.
Champion excellence: uphold strategic and creative rigor across every deliverable, from foundational brand frameworks to launch campaigns.
Be a trusted partner: build strong, collaborative relationships with clients, able to challenge thinking constructively and inspire confidence.

Benefits

25 days off per year + 16 paid holidays
matching 401(k)
medical, dental & vision
paid maternity & paternity leave
home office setup
yearly team retreats
a comprehensive professional development program including executive coaching and a yearly professional development stipend

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume