Group Director - Advocacy

London – hybrid or remote working (must reside in commutable distance to attend the office when required)

£80,000 - £100,000 + benefits

My client, a fast-growing global health company, is looking for a Group Director to join their growing team. The successful candidate will have substantial client services expertise in unbranded and disease awareness campaigns. This individual will be responsible for leading client strategy initiatives and managing project execution across various communication platforms, while also identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. This role presents an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong enthusiasm for life sciences to collaborate with prominent clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices, and health IT sectors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple client projects of varying scales within a dynamic environment.
• Cultivate and sustain robust client relationships through outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Manage the dissemination of client announcements through the appropriate regulatory channels and ensure timely follow-up with media outlets.
• Formulate advocacy and policy strategies and tactics for clients.
• Direct operational initiatives and take responsibility for the financial outcomes of projects by closely monitoring budgets and team performance.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality within the account teams, ensuring that all client inquiries are addressed strategically and promptly.
• Collaborate with shared service leaders to enhance and expand integrated business offerings (including social media/digital and creative services) while identifying new business prospects.
• Supervise account personnel directly and encourage ongoing learning and development to foster a high-performance culture.

Essential skills and experience

• Proficient in collaborating with clients in the life sciences sector, particularly on initiatives related to patient advocacy.
• Capable of functioning within and leading cross-functional teams, effectively communicating with and guiding technical, creative, and account personnel to achieve exemplary client outcomes.
• Skilled in independently managing and advancing new business operations, as well as contributing to larger team efforts.
• Competent in conveying complex scientific concepts to audiences with varying degrees of expertise.
• Familiarity with annual planning, resource allocation, and forecasting processes.
• Proficient in managing and motivating an account team.
• Possess supervisory capabilities, with a focus on mentoring junior staff and collaborating effectively with subcontractors.
• Proven track record in developing direct reports and managing influence within matrixed teams is essential.
• Outstanding organizational abilities that ensure the precise execution of tactical plans are required.
• A strong background in patient advocacy gained within healthcare communications.
• Policy experience would be highly advantageous.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the complexities of engaging in the area of Rare Disease.