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VML HEALTH

Director Brand Strategy (Health)

VML HEALTH, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Who We Are At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

About VML Health VML HEALTH is a global healthcare agency that partners with healthcare clients across a broad definition of health, from high science to wellness and everything in between. It operates fluidly within the VML agency, as a core group of health specialists (a ‘vertical’) that has the benefit of autonomy in management, but with support of non‑health expertise. Our purpose is to bridge this gap, bringing people closer to life and all its meaning. We gain a deeper understanding of Healthcare Professionals’ and patients’ needs, behaviors and lived experiences through what we call ‘radical empathy’.

What We Are Looking For A strategic and insightful Director, Strategy and Insights, to lead research initiatives and launch projects. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, a passion for uncovering consumer insights, and a proven ability to translate complex information into actionable strategies. We seek a collaborative leader who can guide and mentor junior strategists, work effectively with creative teams, and build strong client relationships.

What You'll Do

Lead and supervise junior strategists in developing comprehensive customer journeys, uncovering marketing and communication opportunities around key pain points.

Guide junior strategists through the research process, from setting clear objectives to selecting appropriate methodologies and ensuring robust analysis.

Structure research design to meet project needs and ensure key insights and implications are identified and clearly communicated.

Guide junior strategists in developing analytical frameworks and pressure‑test their analyses, ensuring actionable implications and recommendations.

Craft insights that can unlock behavior changes, inform brand positioning, and drive creative “sparks.”

Partner with Medical Strategy to develop a deep understanding of mechanisms of action (MOAs), potential benefits, reasons to believe (RTBs), and points of differentiation. Independently craft compelling and differentiated positioning statements.

Participate in and lead positioning workshops with clients, effectively communicating complex information and building consensus.

Collaborate with the Creative Director and Medical Strategy to prepare background briefing documents that provide context and strategic direction for creative development.

Develop workshop proposals, manage logistics, and create engaging materials. Lead junior strategists in formulating objectives, ideating approaches, and developing pre‑reads and exercises.

Lead all background analyses and research for pitches, generating customer insights and developing compelling story arcs. Prepare critical elements/sections of the pitch deck.

Who You'll Be

A critical and analytical thinker, innovator, and visionary who inspires creativity.

A collaborative leader with experience in mentoring and guiding junior strategists.

Adept at building strong client relationships based on deep business immersion.

Capable of independently drafting creative briefs based on client needs.

Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders.

Excellent written and verbal communicator.

What You'll Need

5-7 years of experience in market research and strategic planning, with a demonstrated focus on the healthcare industry.

Proven experience in leading and managing research projects, from ideation to execution and reporting.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable insights.

Experience in developing customer journeys, identifying pain points, and uncovering customer attitudes and behaviors.

Expertise in crafting compelling positioning statements and creative briefs.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey strategic recommendations to clients and internal teams.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Excel, for creating presentations and analyzing data.

HCP and DTC marketing agency experience.

Brand launch experience is preferred.

A collaborative and team‑oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.

What We Offer

Passionate, driven people: We champion a culture of people who do extraordinary work.

Consciously cultivated culture: We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.

Competitive benefits: Full‑time hires receive a spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) plus a generous 401k match (100% dollar‑for‑dollar, up to 5% of salary contribution) and generous paid time off.

Growth‑minded opportunities: We nurture a culture of real‑time feedback, a growth‑oriented mindset, and plentiful training opportunities through VML and WPP.

Base salary range: $75,000—$180,000 USD. Compensation varies based on job‑related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Before you submit an application, we recommend reviewing our Recruitment Privacy Policy and California Recruitment Privacy Notice to understand how we process your personal data.

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