21GRAMS- VP, Medical Strategy Director

Real Chemistry•Boston, MA

1d•$180,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Real Chemistry is looking for a VP, Medical Strategy Director to join their growing team. 21GRAMS, part of Real Chemistry, is a full-service healthcare advertising agency focused on making healthcare feel more human. They combine bold creativity, strategic rigor, and deep scientific understanding to create work that changes behavior, improves outcomes, and makes a meaningful impact on people's lives. The culture is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to doing exceptional work. This role is for someone who loves science, can connect clinical evidence to human insight, challenge thinking, shape strategy, inspire creative teams, and earn client trust. The individual will serve as a senior strategic leader across brands and therapeutic areas, transforming complex science into meaningful, actionable ideas that drive behavior change. They will partner closely with Strategy, Creative, Account, Medical, and Activation teams to ensure work is accurate and unforgettable.

Requirements

Advanced scientific degree required (PharmD, PhD, MD, DO, NP, PA, or equivalent)
10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical advertising, healthcare communications, medical strategy, or related healthcare marketing environments
Significant agency experience supporting pharmaceutical and biotech brands
Deep understanding of promotional healthcare communications across HCP, patient, and consumer audiences
Experience leading scientific and strategic discussions with senior-level clients
Demonstrated success partnering with creative, strategy, and account teams to develop breakthrough work
Experience contributing to new business pitches and agency growth initiatives
Strong presentation, storytelling, and facilitation skills
Ability to simplify complex science into clear, compelling strategic direction
Experience managing, mentoring, and developing talent

Nice To Haves

Experience in rare disease, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, or specialty care categories
Launch experience across pre-launch, launch, and lifecycle brands
Experience leading workshops, advisory boards, and KOL engagements
A healthy obsession with healthcare, culture, technology, and where they're headed next

Responsibilities

Turn data into direction and evidence into inspiration, helping teams uncover strategic implications within the science and ensuring ideas are grounded in medical truth.
Lead medical strategy across brands, franchises, and new business opportunities, defining scientific narratives, identifying strategic opportunities, and shaping positioning, messaging, and communication platforms.
Collaborate with creative and brand strategy teams to elevate work, contributing to idea development.
Engage clients as a senior strategic partner, guiding them through complex scientific and commercial challenges with expertise and thoughtful counsel.
Ensure scientific rigor and medical accuracy across deliverables, maintaining focus on strategic relevance and business impact.
Mentor junior team members, strengthen agency medical acumen, and help clients think differently about their brands and opportunities.
Play an active role in pitches, workshops, and growth initiatives, bringing scientific leadership and strategic thinking to win new business.
Help shape the future of Medical Strategy at 21GRAMS by developing frameworks, processes, thought leadership, and capabilities.