Vice President, Healthcare, Ruder Finn

Ruder Finn•New York, NY

2d•$120,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Ruder Finn is seeking an exceptional Vice President, Health account lead to provide strategic counsel and execution for its clients in the healthcare sector. This role will oversee the planning and execution of strategic programs, product communications, DSE and regulatory milestones as well as play a key role in growing existing business and managing and cultivating staff. The individual will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to multi-task, lead workstreams and provide sound strategic counsel. We are seeking candidates who are excited to work on breakthrough product communications in the areas of oncology, immunology, rare disease and neuroscience. This individual will need to build strong client relationships, manage internal cross-functional account teams, drive growth within an agency environment and possess a strong record of account management with exceptional client service. If you’re passionate about healthcare, energized by complex challenges, and excited to build campaigns that make an impact, this could be the perfect role for you.

Requirements

Minimum 8+ years of experience within public relations/communications
Healthcare/pharma experience is required
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related field
Previous experience in healthcare communications with experience working on pharmaceutical products, biotech and/or patient advocacy
Experience with data and regulatory milestones communications is required
Experience in working with patient advocacy groups, patients and influencers is required
A personal passion to work across all verticals in the healthcare space
Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build relationships
Demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful communications programs for healthcare brands
Curiosity and comfort with integrating AI into communications and workflows
Strong writing and organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Ability to contribute to strategic thinking and the development and execution of programs

Responsibilities

Serve as the day-to-day lead for healthcare clients, managing strategy, planning and execution
Oversee multiple projects and workstreams from planning through execution, anticipating challenges, troubleshooting issues, proposing solutions, and ensuring deadlines and budgets are adhered to
Contribute significantly to the development of comprehensive and innovative integrated communications programs, campaign recommendations and budgeting
Provide an excellent level of client service by delivering projects on time and that are high quality in nature and error-free; manage multiple workstreams keeping teams on task and on deadline
Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level talent by identifying skills and repositioning roles as necessary to create a best-in-class teams
Provide thoughtful client counsel and recommendations that reflect an understanding of client priorities, the healthcare landscape, and communications best practices
Demonstrate strong knowledge of clients’ businesses, including competitors, product landscapes, public opinion and market trends, influencers, media dynamics, and factors that may impact communications strategy
Apply innovative thinking to generate new approaches, alternative strategies, and creative program ideas
Identify potential issues early, elevate challenges with recommended solutions, and know when to seek senior counsel
Lead the development of core communications materials, including media strategies, press releases, key message documents, social media content, briefing materials, communications plans, and client presentations
Ensure strong quality control across client materials, reviewing for accuracy, strategic alignment, clarity, and polish
Maintain a high level of responsiveness and communicate with clients, supervisors, and account teams in a clear, timely, and solutions-oriented manner
Motivate team members to work together toward shared objectives and high-quality outcomes
Convey ideas clearly and confidently in client meetings and presentations
Serve as a role model for junior team members by demonstrating sound judgment, accountability, curiosity, and openness to new ways of thinking
Delegate effectively by setting clear expectations, deadlines, context, and measures of success
Build program budgets, track finances, create SOWs, and support forecasting while ensuring resources align with client needs