Vice President, Healthcare, Ruder Finn

Ruder Finn•Washington, DC

1d•$120,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Ruder Finn is seeking a Vice President, Healthcare, to lead a major pharmaceutical account in the diabetes space. The role oversees an integrated communications program spanning earned media, influencer programming, patient and stakeholder engagement, events, and other initiatives. The Vice President sets communications strategy, provides senior client counsel, and leads programs designed to advance business objectives and strengthen the brand’s reputation. The Vice President is the day-to-day leader of a multidisciplinary account team, responsible for client service, strategic thinking, program execution, account performance, client relationships, growth opportunities, and team development. The role also manages account financials, including budgets, staffing, forecasting, and profitability, while helping shape an important client partnership.

Requirements

8–10 years of experience in public relations, strategic communications, or corporate affairs, with significant pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare communications experience.
Demonstrated success leading large, complex client relationships and integrated communications programs.
Deep expertise in earned media strategy and corporate reputation management.
Experience managing conferences, events, stakeholder engagements, and high-profile communications initiatives.
Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and client counseling skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and drive projects from strategy through execution.
Experience managing budgets, account profitability, and resource planning.
Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing talent.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior day-to-day client lead and trusted strategic advisor for a flagship pharmaceutical account, counseling on corporate communications, media relations, community engagement, announcements, and reputation-building.
Develop and oversee integrated communications strategies, programs, campaign recommendations, and budgets aligned with client business objectives and corporate and brand priorities.
Oversee projects and workstreams from planning through execution, troubleshoot challenges, propose solutions, meet deadlines, and manage budgets effectively.
Lead and evolve proactive earned media programs, including patient and community storytelling, local media outreach around events, and strategic announcements.
Oversee high-profile community events, stakeholder and patient advocacy group engagements, and targeted healthcare professional forums.
Provide client counsel and recommendations informed by client priorities, the healthcare landscape, and communications best practices.
Maintain knowledge of the client’s business, competitors, product landscapes, public opinion, market trends, influencers, media dynamics, policy developments, and other relevant factors.
Generate innovative approaches, alternative strategies, and creative program ideas.
Identify potential issues early, elevate challenges with recommended solutions, and seek additional senior counsel when appropriate.
Review client materials for accuracy, strategic alignment, clarity, and polish, and ensure high-quality, error-free work is delivered on time.
Communicate responsively and clearly with clients, supervisors, and account teams in a timely, solutions-oriented manner.
Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level talent, align roles with strengths and development needs, and promote collaboration across digital, creative, analytics, and account management.
Model strong leadership and delegate effectively by setting clear expectations, deadlines, context, and measures of success.
Build and maintain relationships with client stakeholders and external partners while representing the agency as a senior leader.
Manage account performance and financials, including budgets, staffing, forecasting, profitability, and client service.
Identify opportunities to grow existing business and contribute to new business development across the practice.
Monitor healthcare, pharmaceutical, policy, and media trends to guide client strategy and identify emerging opportunities.