Director/Sr. Director, Strategy

Department: Strategy

Director/Sr. Director, Strategy (DTC/HCP)

Position Overview

We are looking for a Director/Sr. Director, Pharmaceutical Media Strategy to join our small, dynamic media agency that focuses on pharmaceutical advertising. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, this role will lead and manage integrated media strategy and analytics for both DTC/Patient and HCP audiences. The position elevates performance reporting, insights, and optimization from day-to-day execution to enterprise-level strategic decision-making. Our support services include media and launch strategies, ongoing optimization, scenario planning, message mapping, and sequencing, along with consultative client support.

The ideal candidate collaborates with teams in strategy, analytics, planning, client services, data science, and technology, as well as media activation. They help set overall strategic goals, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote data-driven decision-making among both clients and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Reporting & Strategic Insights 

• Deliver strategic oversight of media performance reporting across multiple pharmaceutical accounts, upholding consistency, analytical rigor, and executive-level transparency.

• Lead teams in the analysis of marketing and media performance data to uncover trends, generate insights, and identify optimization opportunities that guide brand, channel, and investment strategies.

• Distill complex datasets into clear and actionable narratives for senior stakeholders and clients, providing focused recommendations rather than solely presenting reports.

• Provide comprehensive support including media and launch strategy, optimization, scenario planning, message mapping and sequencing, consultative client engagement, VVS strategy, and other related services.

• Demonstrate expertise in utilizing third-party health and media data providers to assess media impact effectively.

• Promote thorough documentation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and advocate best practices across analytics, performance optimization, and strategic media measurement disciplines.

Client, Team & Cross Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with innovation and data science teams on advanced modeling and predictive analytics initiatives, translating results into actionable strategies for media planning.

• Serve as the senior strategic lead and client advisor, owning strategic relationships and influencing decision-making at higher levels of client organizations.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Data Science, Statistics, Marketing Analytics, Applied Mathematics, Marketing, or Business).

• 15+ years of experience in media strategy, analytics, or related roles, with 5+ years in pharmaceutical media advertising across digital and traditional channels, or strategic consulting.

• Demonstrated progression from hands-on analytics and reporting into strategic leadership and client ownership.

• Extensive experience presenting strategic recommendations to senior client stakeholders and internal leadership.

Strategic Skills

• Skilled in data visualization and simplifying complex concepts through storytelling.

• Experience in developing investment scenarios and employing consultative selling strategies to foster organic growth.

• Experience working with healthcare and media data providers

• Strong understanding of AI/automation concepts as applied to media analytics and reporting.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set direction, not just execute tasks.

• Analytical Rigor: Ensures data integrity, methodological soundness, and insight quality.

• Pharmaceutical Expertise: Experience with various therapeutic categories, both HCP and DTC audiences, and brands ranging from ultra-rare to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies, addressing their diverse needs.

• People Development: Team player, leader and desire to be part of a high performing team.

Why Join Us?
At Underscore Marketing, we value our team and invest in their success. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional growth opportunities. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Underscore Marketing is a woman-owned, independent agency specializing in life sciences. Since 2002, we've helped clients gain a competitive edge through bold, data-driven promotional strategies that deliver measurable results.

Our team comprises media, strategy, and omnichannel analytics experts who thrive on collaboration, innovation, and results. When you join Underscore, you become part of a dynamic environment where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work helps elevate brands in a competitive healthcare landscape.

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values integrity, creativity, and results, if that sounds like you, we invite you to share.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Underscore is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.