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. Who we're looking for: As Director, Brand Strategy you'll determine research needs with the VP/SVP and lead numerous launch projects for the organization. You will work very closely with and collaborate with creative teams. 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 you'll do:
- Lead/supervise junior strategists to develop customer journey.
- Uncover marketing and communication opportunities around key pain points
- Guide junior strategists on research process from setting objectives, to deciding methodology.
- Structure research design to meet project needs; Ensures key insights and implications are identified by junior strategists.
- Guide junior strategists in development of analysis; suggest analytical framework to meet objectives. Pressure-test junior strategists' analysis, ensuring actionable implications.
- Craft insights that can unlock behavior changes, inform positioning, and drive communication sparks
- Partners with Medical Strategy to create in-depth understanding of MOA's potential benefits, RTs and potential points of difference. Independently craft positioning which is compelling and differentiated
- Participate in developing and leading positioning workshops with clients.
- Collaborate with Creative Director and Medical Strategy to prepare background briefing documents
- Draft workshop proposals. Responsible for workshop planning, coordination, logistics and all materials (pre-read, summary); Lead junior strategists in formulating objectives and ideating approach, pre-reads & exercises
- Lead all background analyses and research for pitch to generate customer insights and story arc. Prepare critical elements/sections of the pitch deck
What you'll need:
- 5-7+ years' experience of overall research and strategic planning experience
- HCP and DTC marketing agency experience
- Critical and analytical thinker, innovator and visionary that inspires creativity
- Brand Launch experience is preferred
- Able to develop strong client relationships and trust based on deep immersion in the client's business
- Capable of independently drafting a creative brief based on client needs
- Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
What we offer:
- Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that 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, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
#vmlhealthcareers VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal 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, click WPP Benefits for more details. $100,000-$230,000 USD 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 Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. When you click Submit Application , this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.