Associate Director of Brand Strategy - VML HEALTH : Job Details

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 expertise, 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.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Where you shine:

As an Associate Director, Brand Strategy, you will quarterback a human-centered approach to translating human empathy and an understanding of the world into meaningful and impactful experiences. We work to anticipate emerging opportunities at the intersection of people, culture, technology and business, identifying where to play and how to win for our clients. As an Associate Director, Brand Strategy, you will lead by understanding the root of client business challenges, framing problems in unexpected ways, and providing inspiration and clarity through thought leadership. Brand strategy is core to the VML Health practice, providing leadership across strategy, creative, customer experience, digital, design and innovation.

Associate Director, Brand Strategy often operates independently, leveraging a team of junior strategists and cross-functional teams to help drive projects. Associate Director, Brand Strategy are expected to manage the investigation, synthesis and business impact of Brand efforts. Like all strategists on our team, you ll be expected to inspire change through innate curiosity, a drive for impact, and an orientation that puts strategy into immediate action.

What your success will look like:

• Develop a deep understanding of our clients customers wants, needs, and behaviors across the full customer journey
• Lead the development and orchestration of Brand and overall omnichannel strategy connection of strategic goals to engagement priorities to channel specific strategies (e.g. social, CRM, website, paid media, apps, rep-delivered and more)
• Ability to lead the translation of insights into strategies and tactics
• Collaborate effectively with other Strategists, Client Engagement, Medical, and Creative disciplines on business, brand and communications strategies
• Develop strong client relationships as a key strategic and business partner
• Strong understanding of various analytical frameworks and methodologies, and the ability to analyze and translate data into a concise story
• Manages smaller client engagements and supports the senior team in management of larger clients
• Mentor junior strategists on strategy tools and processes, providing guidance and feedback for professional growth
• Provides key support and partnership in leading key strategy deliverables by guiding the strategic direction in relation to our clients brand development and marketing approach
• Constantly seeks to improve client work and actively analyzes client s challenges and opportunities
• Challenges team to uncover innovative tools and ideas, and to pursue growth opportunities
• Partner with Directors in workshop planning and proposals, development of measurement strategy and analytics approaches, execution of CX planning and tactical exercises, and content generation and presentation strategies
• Participate in new business pitches including market research

Who you are and what you bring:

• 3-7 years experience of overall research and strategic planning experience
• DTC strategic experience is a MUST
• Critical and analytical thinker, innovator and visionary that inspires creativity
• Demonstrates passion, familiarity, and curiosity with Pharma Brand Strategy best practices
• Able to develop strong client relationships and trust based on deep immersion in the client s business
• Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Minimum of a bachelor s degree and a multidisciplinary background, including developing business strategy, marketing strategy, consumer insight, and/or account planning
• MBA is preferred

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $95,000 to $150,000 . Individual compensation varies based on job related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click here for more details.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP . For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.