Vice President, Healthcare, Ruder Finn
About The Position
Ruder Finn is seeking a Vice President, Healthcare account lead to provide strategic counsel and execution for clients in the healthcare sector. The role oversees strategic programs, product communications, data and regulatory milestones, and contributes to growing existing business while managing and developing staff. The successful candidate will build strong client relationships, lead internal cross-functional account teams, drive growth in an agency environment, and deliver strong account management and client service. The work includes breakthrough product communications in oncology, immunology, rare disease, and neuroscience. The Vice President serves as the day-to-day lead for healthcare clients, overseeing strategy, planning, and execution across projects and workstreams. The position develops integrated communications programs, campaign recommendations, budgets, and core communications materials; provides client counsel; and ensures work is accurate, strategically aligned, polished, on time, and within budget. The role also manages and mentors junior and mid-level staff, supports account growth and forecasting, and helps teams deliver high-quality outcomes.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of experience in public relations or communications; healthcare/pharmaceutical experience is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
- Experience in healthcare communications, including work with pharmaceutical products, biotechnology, and/or patient advocacy.
- Experience communicating data and regulatory milestones.
- Experience working with patient advocacy groups, patients, and influencers.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships.
- Demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful communications programs for healthcare brands.
- Curiosity and comfort integrating AI into communications and workflows.
- Strong writing and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask.
- Ability to contribute to strategic thinking and program development and execution.
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; anticipate and troubleshoot challenges, propose solutions, and ensure deadlines and budgets are met.
- Contribute to comprehensive, innovative integrated communications programs, campaign recommendations, and budgeting.
- Deliver high-quality, accurate work on time and provide excellent client service while keeping multiple workstreams on task and on deadline.
- Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level talent, identifying skills and adjusting roles as needed.
- Provide client counsel and recommendations informed by client priorities, the healthcare landscape, and communications best practices.
- Maintain knowledge of clients’ businesses, competitors, product landscapes, public opinion, market trends, influencers, media dynamics, and other factors affecting communications strategy.
- Generate new approaches, alternative strategies, and creative program ideas.
- Identify potential issues early, elevate challenges with recommended solutions, and seek senior counsel when appropriate.
- Lead development of communications materials, including media strategies, press releases, key message documents, social media content, briefing materials, communications plans, and client presentations.
- Review client materials for accuracy, strategic alignment, clarity, and polish.
- Communicate responsively and clearly with clients, supervisors, and account teams in a timely, solutions-oriented manner.
- Motivate team members toward shared objectives and high-quality outcomes.
- Present ideas clearly and confidently in client meetings and presentations.
- Model sound judgment, accountability, curiosity, and openness to new ways of thinking for junior team members.
- Delegate effectively by setting clear expectations, deadlines, context, and success measures.
- Build program budgets, track finances, create statements of work, and support forecasting while aligning resources with client needs.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and bonus opportunity.
- Health insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Company-paid life insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account.
- 401(k) matching plan.
- Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, and related expenses.
- Generous paid time off policy.
- Paid maternity and paternity leave.
- Transit benefits.
- Professional learning and development opportunities.
- Workplace flexibility.
- On-site and off-site social gatherings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
