Log InSign Up
HomeDirector, Strategy - HCP/Pharma

Director, Strategy – HCP/Pharma

$$$

Business Overview

Initiative is different to other media agencies.

Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire HCP and consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for Healthcare brands like J&J, Merck, Gilead, AZ, Teva, Cigna, and non-Healthcare brands like Nike, Amazon, LEGO, and T-Mobile.

Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

Position Overview

As a Health Strategy Director, you are responsible for the creation of the strategic direction a brand will take in communications to achieve their business goals. You are responsible for helping to lead Pharma clients, strategize, produce and make sense of the key cultural, healthcare landscape, human behaviors, and market intelligence required to design the best possible holistic communications plan to deliver on that task. This work should be held up as best practice both within the agency and externally – recognized by winning awards and client scores. Your client responsibility would be to engage in an advisory capacity and deliver strategic recommendations.

You have a passion for people, brands and ideas and an insatiable curiosity for culture in every sense. You will be asked to produce work that drives re-appraisal of communications and what media can do in the world, and your work should be seen as driving the agency forward. Creative thinking, sound presentation skills & leadership behaviors are critical in delivering success in this role.

You are responsible for ensuring that the Strategists’ work is strong and always progressing. That it has considered all human, category and culture trends, helping them to think about new ways to respond to a brief and encouraging them to work – with you – alongside the Analytics, Communications Design and Client teams to deliver better, smarter and more innovative work.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain excellent client relationships & understanding of the clients’ key business and challenges
  • Be the knowledge expert with solid understanding of Pharma, Prescription drugs, marketing
  • Have previous knowledge of professional media channels directed to Healthcare Professionals
  • Deliver innovative thinking that inspires leading edge solutions and award-winning breakthrough work – best in class work as standard (internally & externally)
  • Demonstrate a good understanding of consumers & their behaviors, backed by usage of qualitative and quantitative tools/research to develop applicable insights into the consumer connection with the brand
  • Drive usage of the Cultural Analytical Process/Tools to help teams find new insights that unlock growth
  • Identify, develop & oversee the delivery of unique and innovative strategies to deliver the client’s desired results
  • Lead ideation team sessions in conjunction with the Communications Design team and relevant SBUs to generate creative & compelling communications ideas
  • Clearly demonstrate how the strategy delivers on the business needs, including development/alignment on measurable client & strategy business KPIs

Required Skills and Experience

  • At least 3+ year of healthcare / Pharma experience, especially in key therapeutic areas like Oncology, Immunology, Neurology, Rare Conditions, building strategy and tactics
  • Experience working in or collaborating with a media planning team (either internally or in a partner agency) or Healthcare consulting or Healthcare Communications or Research
  • Deep Audience profiling capability, rational, emotional, and behavioral, extracting insights using multiple data sources,
  • Ability to think differently: creative & adaptive, entrepreneurial, independently minded; deeply immersed in cultural understanding and driven by a desire to know more the world / to better understand people’s motivations & behaviors in the shifting landscape.
  • A great story teller – build engaging ppt decks and present confidently to senior clients
  • Be the trusted ally of integrated teams and clients, maintaining the Fame and Flow of Brands and Voice of the Customer

Desired Skills and Experience

  • 6+ years in integrated planning role in media, creative, or other communications discipline (digital, content, innovation, social, activation/sponsorships)
  • Confidence in audience segmentation – the ability to develop and profile audiences for strategic opportunity.
  • Knowledge of key media tools such as Kantar Pro/ IPSOS/ MRI/Simmons (survey dashboards), comfort in resources such as Mintel, WARC
  • Knowledge of media landscape and key publishers, partners, and vendors, especially endemic health channels for HCPs and Patients
  • Experience in (or interest in) managing and developing junior talent

We See You

At IPG Mediabrands, we are unified behind a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Together, we shine through a set of shared values and behaviors. We take pride in our responsibility to our clients, communities, and to each other. We embrace differences and recognize the unique value that each of us brings to our community.

We encourage you to apply, as unique backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are welcomed.

We See You at IPG Mediabrands.

Wage and Benefits

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days.

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award.

The salary range for this position is posted below. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.

Employment Transparency

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].

About IPG Mediabrands

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com.

Initiative

Related jobs:

Job Description
A documentary series is seeking a local sound engineer for a full-day shoot during an indie production tied to Essence Fest. The series highlights the journey of four men navigating the high-stakes world of music promotion, showcasing the raw highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes moments with some of the industry’s top artists. The content will be both emotionally resonant and technically engaging, requiring strong sound capture for intimate and dynamic scenes.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide professional on-location audio recording for full-day shoot

  • Capture clean, balanced sound across multiple speakers in varied environments

  • Set up and manage multiple microphones (lav and boom) for interviews and b-roll

  • Collaborate with directors and producers to ensure optimal audio quality

  • Troubleshoot audio issues in real-time during the shoot

Requirements

  • Must be based in or able to work locally in New Orleans

  • Own equipment required: boom mic, minimum 4 lavalier mics, mixer, recorder

  • Prior experience with documentary or reality-style production preferred

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • Punctual and prepared for a full 9am call time

Compensation

  • $600 for a full-day shoot

  • Independent contract opportunity with potential for future collaborations

Boom Operator for Cosmic Horror Student Film

Job Description
A student film production is seeking a Boom Operator for a three-day shoot on a cosmic horror short film. The project aims to create an unsettling, atmospheric experience and will require a sound technician comfortable working in an eerie, story-driven setting. All professional sound equipment will be provided on set.

Job Responsibilities

  • Operate boom microphone and manage sound equipment during filming

  • Collaborate with the director and sound team to ensure audio clarity

  • Monitor environmental sound and adjust mic placement accordingly

  • Ensure clean dialogue capture in both indoor and outdoor settings

Requirements

  • Experience with boom operation on film sets (student or professional)

  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

  • Strong understanding of on-set audio workflow

  • Open to working on a student project with limited resources

Compensation

  • Rate negotiable based on experience

  • This is a low-budget student film; flexibility appreciated

  • All necessary equipment will be supplied

Job Description:
An exciting opportunity for experienced film professionals to join a fast-paced production shooting in Atlanta this July. We’re building a full crew across all departments for a 25-page project filming over 5-6 days. This is a professional production offering competitive rates for qualified crew members.

Positions Available:

  • Camera Department (DP, Operators, ACs)

  • Grip & Electric (Gaffers, Best Boys, Technicians)

  • Sound Mixers & Boom Operators

  • Art Department (Production Designers, Set Decorators)

  • Hair/Makeup Artists

  • Production Assistants

  • Other key crew positions

Job Responsibilities:

  • Execute department-specific duties professionally

  • Work efficiently under tight production schedule

  • Collaborate with other departments

  • Maintain safety standards on set

Requirements:

  • 2+ years professional experience in your department

  • Full availability July 15-21 in Atlanta

  • Own necessary equipment/kits (where applicable)

  • Strong references from previous productions

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive daily rates (based on position/experience)

  • Meals provided during shoot days

  • Professional working environment

  • IMDb credit

Job Description:
A new set of three non-union scripted short series is now hiring Production Interns to join a growing, motivated team. This is a non-paid internship offering IMDb credit and craft services, ideal for emerging creatives seeking on-set experience and real industry exposure. Interns will contribute to various departments and support production from pre-production through wrap.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Assist core departments on set and during prep

  • Support day-to-day production needs based on assigned role

  • Collaborate with team members and respond to direction from department leads

  • Gain hands-on experience in film and TV production workflow

Open Internship Positions:

  • Casting

  • Locations Manager

  • Wardrobe / Costume

  • Script Supervisor

  • Production Assistant

  • Crafty PA

Requirements:

  • Set experience preferred but not required

  • Must be dependable, enthusiastic, and a team player

  • Eagerness to learn and contribute to a fast-paced production

  • Must be local or able to work where production is based

Compensation:

  • Unpaid

  • IMDb credit provided

  • Craft services included

Job Description:
A new indie thriller set between 1940–1970 is now hiring a full production crew in Atlanta. This period film is seeking skilled creatives and behind-the-scenes professionals to join a passionate filmmaking team. If you’re a film graduate or seasoned indie crew member, this is your chance to gain credits, contribute to an exciting historical project, and work with a driven director on a full-length feature.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the director to bring a scripted thriller period piece to life

  • Contribute to pre-production, on-set, and post-production phases

  • Help maintain historical authenticity in visuals, sound, and wardrobe

  • Commit to project timelines and deliver high-quality creative work

Open Positions:

  • Cinematographer

  • Producer

  • Sound Audio Technician

  • Production Assistant

  • Production Designer

  • Film (CGI) Editor

  • Costume Designer

  • Gaffer/Grip

  • Post-Marketing Specialist

Requirements:

  • Based in or able to work in Atlanta, GA

  • Demonstrated experience in your respective field or strong portfolio (film grads welcome)

  • Collaborative mindset and passion for independent filmmaking

Compensation:

  • Paid positions

  • Credit included

  • Meals and transportation provided (up to $150)

Job Description:
A Los Angeles-based production is now hiring experienced crew members for a series of upcoming vertical-format projects. If you have a strong background in vertical content and thrive in fast-paced creative environments, this is your opportunity to contribute to high-impact shoots with a flexible schedule.

The team is assembling for two production periods: late June to early July and again in late July to early August. Roles include both on-set and post-production positions.

Job Responsibilities:
June 27–July 8 (2–3 days within this range)

  • Photographer for BTS content and poster stills

Late July / Early August

  • Editor

  • DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)

  • Production Designer

  • Wardrobe Stylist

  • Script Supervisor

  • First Assistant Director (1st AD)

  • Second Assistant Director (2nd AD)

  • Unit Production Manager (UPM)

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in your respective role

  • Must have experience with vertical video formats

  • Based in or able to work in Los Angeles

  • Available during specified production windows

  • Ability to collaborate efficiently with a creative team under time-sensitive conditions

Compensation:

  • Paid; rates to be discussed upon application

  • Freelance / project-based hire

Job Description
Prominent Productions is now staffing for a feature film shooting in Los Angeles with a 20-day schedule and prep beginning in late August. The production team is seeking experienced crew members across multiple departments. This is a fantastic opportunity for LA-based professionals to join a dynamic film set and contribute to a high-energy production.

Job Responsibilities
• Support various departments across pre-production and production phases

• Collaborate with directors, producers, and crew to ensure smooth set operations

• Maintain professionalism and adaptability in a fast-paced film environment

• Execute tasks specific to your crew role (e.g., sound, catering, lighting, makeup, etc.)

Requirements
• Must be based in Los Angeles

• Must submit a resume with position specified in the subject line

• Positions needed include:

  • First AD

  • DIT

  • Catering

  • Locations

  • Craft Services

  • PAs

  • Hair and Makeup

  • Sound

  • Script Supervisors

  • Medics

  • Gaffers

  • Grips

• Experience in your role is highly preferred

Compensation
• Paid production opportunity

• Chance to build credits on a feature film

• Network with a professional production team

Job Description
A non-union micro short film is seeking professional crew members for a one-day shoot in Orlando, FL. This is a paid opportunity to join a passionate and collaborative set with a focus on quality production and creative execution. Crew members will also receive IMDb credit for their work.

Job Responsibilities

  • Camera Operator: Must provide and operate a personal 4K camera for all production needs

  • Sound Recordist/Boom Operator: Handle on-set audio recording and boom operation

  • Collaborate with the director and team to ensure smooth shoot execution

  • Arrive on time and prepared for a one-day shoot on July 13th

Requirements

  • Must be based in or able to work in Orlando, FL

  • Experience with film/short-form content preferred

  • Equipment-ready (applicable to camera role)

  • Dependable, team-oriented, and professional attitude

  • Available on July 13th for the full day

Compensation

  • Paid opportunity (rate TBD upon contact)

  • IMDb credit provided

Job Description
A vibrant and comedic 30-minute mockumentary pilot centered on the quirky staff of a fictional country club is currently in post-production. The team is seeking a talented Colorist and Sound Designer to bring the final polish to this fun, fast-paced project. This is a great opportunity for creatives who love character-driven comedy and want to help elevate a playful, narrative piece to broadcast-ready quality.

Job Responsibilities

  • Colorist:
    • Perform color correction and color grading to enhance mood and visual consistency
    • Collaborate with director/editor to maintain visual tone and comedic pacing
    • Deliver final color output optimized for various platforms

  • Sound Designer:
    • Design and mix sound elements including dialogue, ambient effects, and transitions
    • Ensure sound levels and quality are balanced throughout the episode
    • Add comedic sound cues and timing adjustments as needed

Requirements

  • Proven experience working on short films, pilots, or web series

  • Proficiency in industry-standard software (DaVinci Resolve, Pro Tools, etc.)

  • Strong sense of comedic timing and visual storytelling

  • Ability to work remotely or be based in Los Angeles

  • Availability starting early July

Compensation

  • Paid opportunity (rate based on experience)

  • Candidates should submit both their reel and rate for consideration

Job Description
The creative team behind the time-travel short PEGASUS is seeking passionate collaborators for a retro-themed pilot filming this fall in South Carolina. This is a non-paid, portfolio-building opportunity to join a studio-pitchable sci-fi production rooted in 1980s nostalgia. Ideal for creatives looking to gain on-set experience while helping bring a unique vision to life.

Job Responsibilities

Sound Mixer

  • Record high-quality audio during on-location shoots

  • Monitor sound levels and troubleshoot technical issues

  • Prior on-set experience preferred

Wardrobe Designer

  • Style cast members in authentic 1988 fashion

  • Source, adapt, or create retro garments to fit character profiles

  • Coordinate with director and art department for visual continuity

Requirements

  • Based in or able to work in South Carolina

  • Open to all experience levels, though experience is a plus

  • Must be collaborative, creative, and reliable

  • Enthusiasm for sci-fi storytelling and 1980s aesthetic preferred

Compensation

  • Unpaid (passion project)

  • Studio pitch exposure

  • Great for résumé and reel building

Job Description
A high-energy indie short film in the psycho thriller genre is seeking talented and passionate crew members for a production featuring high-profile leads. The shoot will take place in Atlanta, GA, and is open to local applicants only. If you’re ready to contribute your skills to a dark, gripping story with a powerful cast, this is your chance to be part of something cinematic and intense.

Positions Needed
• Director of Photography (own gear a major plus – women strongly encouraged to apply)

• Production Designer

• Costume Designer

• First Assistant Director

• Sound Mixer

• Set Production Assistants

Requirements
• Must be available for the full shoot: June 30 – July 3

• Local to Atlanta, GA

• Prior film set experience preferred for all roles

• Able to collaborate in a fast-paced, professional production environment

Compensation
• Paid (rate to be discussed upon application)

Job Description
A dynamic TV production is seeking a dedicated Production Coordinator to support a fast-paced shoot near Stamford, CT. This role involves a mix of in-office pre-production and on-location fieldwork. If you’re organized, communicative, and thrive in both office and outdoor environments, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a hands-on television production.

Job Responsibilities
• Coordinate logistics and scheduling for both pre-production and shoot phases

• Work closely with producers and crew to manage daily operations

• Ensure equipment, documents, and supplies are organized and delivered as needed

• Support outdoor rural shoots with field coordination and on-the-ground problem solving

Requirements
• Must be available from the week of June 16 through approximately August 10

• Able to work in-office in Stamford, CT for at least 3 days a week from June 16 to July 4 (2 days WFH)

• Fully available in the field from July 6 through August 10

• Experience coordinating rural outdoor shoots preferred

• Must be organized, proactive, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Compensation
• Competitive pay based on experience

• 8-week commitment with hybrid and fieldwork flexibility

Share this job:

Job overview

Location:
Job type:
Ethnicity:
Body type:
Expiration date:
05-13-2024

Job skills

Are you ready to get discovered?

Gain access to thousands of jobs and appear higher in the search results now!