Account Director, Health & Wellness

Who we are:

Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com 

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

Burson is looking for an Account Director to join our growing Healthcare practice. This person will lead strategic communications initiatives for one of our marquee accounts in diabetes, rare disease, oncology, neurology or hematology.

You will be managing all day-to-day communications activities for the client and ensure the overall strategic vision and tactical execution is in line with the client’s objectives.

These world-renowned brands need communications expertise and leadership as you work to develop their overall strategic vision. We are in need of someone that understands the pharmaceutical space and can help propel our group to even further growth.

What you'll do:

• Demonstrate leadership in providing strategic counsel to clients and show master of all aspects of client management.


• Lead the development of comprehensive communications strategies tailored to pharmaceutical and healthcare brands, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry trends, including message positioning and target audience analysis.


• Pitch scientific breakthroughs, clinical trial results, and regulatory updates to targeted communications outlets, ensuring accurate representation of complex pharmaceutical data.


• Manage high-stakes communications campaigns, from pre-launch through post-launch, focusing on generating communications for drug approvals, patient advocacy, and healthcare initiatives.


• Position clients as thought leaders in the pharmaceutical industry by securing guest articles, expert commentary, and speaking opportunities at healthcare conferences.


• Work with clients to build thought leadership profiles around healthcare innovation, patient care, and scientific research, ensuring their voices are prominent in communications covering emerging trends.


• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile press events, communications briefings, and speaking engagements.


• Prepare clients for communications interviews, including communications training and providing talking points, ensuring they deliver key messages effectively.


• Collaborate cross-functionally with digital, social, and creative teams to integrate communications into larger campaigns.


• Oversee junior staff members, providing guidance on communications outreach, strategy, and client communication.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 7+ years of agency experience with a focus on communications relations and account management.


• Strong connections with healthcare journalists, editors, and trade publication contacts, especially in pharmaceutical and medical fields.


• Impeccable client relationship skills and experience working with high touch clients.


• Experience working with large budgets and managing large programs from start to finish.


• Knowledge of integrating communications strategies with broader digital, social, and paid communications efforts for holistic communications.


• Ability to provide strategic counsel to pharmaceutical clients, advising on the best approaches to build thought leadership, reputation, and communications presence.


• Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities and employee resource groups.

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Burson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.