Associate Director Engagement Strategy (Health)

twentysix; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

401k match

Job summary

VML Health, part of WPP, seeks a strategic healthcare engagement specialist to bridge data-driven insights with engaging customer experiences. You thrive in a collaborative environment, driven by healthcare expertise and a passion for impactful patient outcomes.

The role blends research, strategy, and client collaboration in a hybrid work setting. The base salary range is displayed below, with competitive benefits and a path for growth within a global network.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in market research and strategic planning in healthcare.
• Proven experience in developing and executing engagement and omnichannel strategies.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and supporting professional growth.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of healthcare including HCP and DTC marketing dynamics.
• Collaborative, team-oriented with cross-functional work.
• Proactive, results-oriented with focus on client success.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep understanding of clients' customers across the journey.
• Lead development and orchestration of engagement and omnichannel strategy.
• Translate insights into actionable strategies and tactics.
• Collaborate with strategists, Client Engagement, Medical and Creative teams.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships as a strategic partner.
• Mentor junior strategists and support senior team on large engagements.
• Lead key strategy deliverables and guide brand development approaches.
• Participate in new business pitches and market research.

Skills

Market research

Strategic planning

Healthcare knowledge

Omnichannel strategies

Analytical skills

Mentoring

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

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.

At the heart of health is the story of life – all the highs and lows, ambitions, and possibilities. But facing a health challenge can suddenly pull people away from these stories, knocking them off course.

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’.

VML Health creates connected brands that get to the heart, bringing people closer to the lives they want to live. Get to the heart. Connect for life.

What We’re Looking For:

We're seeking a strategic healthcare engagement specialist who can bridge the gap between data-driven insights and impactful customer experiences. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, are passionate about healthcare, and can translate complex customer needs into engaging experiences that connect people to better health outcomes, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop a deep understanding of our clients’ customers’ wants, needs, and behaviors across the full customer journey.

• Lead the development and orchestration of engagement and omnichannel strategy, connecting strategic goals to engagement priorities and channel-specific strategies (e.g., social, CRM, website, paid media, apps, rep-delivered, and more).

• Translate insights into actionable strategies and tactics.

• Collaborate effectively with other strategists, Client Engagement, Medical, and Creative disciplines on business, brand, and communications strategies.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships as a key strategic and business partner.

• Manage smaller client engagements and support the senior team in the management of larger clients.

• Mentor junior strategists, providing guidance and feedback for professional growth.

• Provide key support and partnership in leading key strategy deliverables, guiding the strategic direction in relation to our clients’ brand development and marketing approach.

• Continuously seek to improve client work, actively analyzing client challenges and opportunities.

• Challenge the team to uncover innovative tools and ideas and 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:

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

• Passionate, familiar, and curious about the CX practice.

• 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.

• An excellent communicator, both written and verbal.

What You’ll Need:

• 3-7 years of experience in market research and strategic planning, with a demonstrated focus on the healthcare industry.

• Proven experience in developing and executing successful engagement and omnichannel strategies.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data, identify insights, and translate them into actionable recommendations.

• Experience in managing and mentoring junior team members, providing guidance and support for professional development.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• A deep understanding of the healthcare industry, including HCP and DTC marketing dynamics.

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

• A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a passion for driving client success.

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: What we offer full-time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.

• Growth-minded opportunities: We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, a growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

#vmlhealthcareers

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, for more details.

_$75,000—$180,000 USDWe 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.