21GRAMS- VP, Medical Strategy Director

Real Chemistry•Chicago, MA

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn’t just an aspiration—it’s our everyday reality. Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human-centred creativity, and AI-driven insights, fostering a unique environment where innovation thrives and our people are impact-obsessed. As a global agency, we provide a full suite of services across healthcare communications and marketing to our clients, including top players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Our #LifeatRealChem culture is rooted in our people—we believe we are best together and are committed to excellence for both our clients and colleagues. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, if you share our passion for healthcare and connection, we invite you to explore our opportunities. Discover your purpose. Embrace innovation. Experience #LifeatRealChem. Real Chemistry is looking for a VP, Medical Strategy Director, join our growing team! 21GRAMS , part of Real Chemistry, is a full-service healthcare advertising agency built on the belief that healthcare should feel more human. We 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. Our culture is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to doing exceptional work. We believe in being good to each other while pushing ourselves to deliver ideas that move audiences, brands, and healthcare forward. This is a role for someone who loves science but doesn’t stop there. Someone who can connect clinical evidence to human insight. Someone who can challenge thinking, shape strategy, inspire creative teams, and earn the trust of clients. You'll serve as a senior strategic leader across brands and therapeutic areas, helping transform complex science into meaningful, actionable ideas that drive behavior change. You'll partner closely with Strategy, Creative, Account, Medical, and Activation teams to ensure the work is not only accurate—but 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.
Help teams uncover the strategic implications hidden within the science and ensure every idea is grounded in a compelling medical truth.
Lead medical strategy across brands, franchises, and new business opportunities.
Define scientific narratives, identify strategic opportunities, and help shape positioning, messaging, and communication platforms.
Work hand-in-hand with creative and brand strategy teams to elevate the work.
Confidently engage clients as a senior strategic partner, helping them navigate complex scientific and commercial challenges while earning credibility through expertise and thoughtful counsel.
Ensure scientific rigor and medical accuracy across deliverables while maintaining a sharp focus on strategic relevance and business impact.
Elevate the capabilities of those around you—mentoring junior team members, strengthening agency medical acumen, and helping clients think differently about their brands and opportunities.
Play an active role in pitches, workshops, and growth initiatives, bringing scientific leadership and strategic thinking that help win new business.
Help shape the future of Medical Strategy at 21GRAMS—developing frameworks, processes, thought leadership, and capabilities that keep us ahead of where healthcare marketing is going.