About the position
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary VP, Engagement Director to join our Scientific Innovation and Medical Communications Department. This role is responsible for driving strategic engagement and long-term partnerships with key clients by aligning medical and scientific communications with broader brand and business objectives. The VP, Engagement Director leads high-impact initiatives across cross-functional teams, ensuring our scientific innovation strategies translate into meaningful business results. As a senior client partner and internal leader, this individual is accountable for delivering excellence across all phases of engagement, including strategic planning, execution oversight, financial performance, and team development. You will serve as a key liaison between senior client stakeholders and internal teams, championing best-in-class medical communications solutions that comply with regulatory standards, elevate brand presence, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Own and shape the strategic direction of client medical communications programs across assigned portfolios.
- Guide the development of forward-thinking medical engagement strategies aligned with both brand imperatives and healthcare trends.
- Proactively identify market opportunities, innovative approaches, and digital-first strategies to advance client business objectives.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends in scientific innovation, digital health, and regulatory guidelines to inform strategic recommendations.
- Serve as senior strategic advisor to C-suite and executive-level client stakeholders.
- Cultivate and grow trusted, long-term client relationships grounded in strategic insight, innovation, and value delivery.
- Lead strategic planning engagements, workshops, and advisory meetings to uncover client needs and develop tailored communication programs.
- Oversee the development and presentation of high-level business proposals, pitches, and performance reviews.
- Provide executive oversight of project execution to ensure alignment with strategy, regulatory compliance, budget, and timeline.
- Implement best practices in operational excellence, resource allocation, and risk mitigation across projects and portfolios.
- Champion cross-functional team integration and ensure seamless collaboration across scientific, creative, digital, and regulatory disciplines.
- Review, approve, and monitor performance metrics and KPIs to ensure client satisfaction and project health.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of Engagement Directors, Managers, and cross-functional contributors.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Identify talent needs and support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development initiatives.
- Own financial performance across client engagements, including forecasting, budget oversight, and profitability.
- Collaborate with finance and operations to ensure fiscal discipline, timely invoicing, and adherence to internal reporting processes.
- Drive account growth through strategic upscoping, organic expansion, and new business development efforts.
Requirements
- 12+ years of experience in medical communications, healthcare marketing, or life sciences consulting, with a strong track record of senior leadership.
- Proven success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder healthcare or pharmaceutical accounts at the executive level.
- Deep understanding of U.S. regulatory and compliance landscape related to medical communications.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead strategic initiatives that bridge science, communication, and commercial goals.
- Experience managing and mentoring large teams and driving cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong business acumen and ability to manage client P&L, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Bachelor's degree in Science, Business, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, PharmD, etc.) strongly preferred.
