Health Strategy Lead - Healthcare Communications

About Ruder Finn

Ruder Finn stands as one of the globe's largest independent integrated marketing and communications firms, renowned for innovative ideas, strategic excellence, and a forward-thinking culture. The agency continually earns accolades, including Large Agency of the Year at the 2026 PRWeek U.S. Awards along with recognition as one of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Health Strategy Lead to spearhead strategic development for a portfolio of healthcare and life sciences clients. This expert role centers on uncovering vital human, cultural, market, and business insights, which fuel breakthrough brand, engagement, and communications strategies. You will distill complex challenges into clear, evidence-backed strategies that distinguish clients in the healthcare marketplace and drive tangible business and reputation improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide strategic planning for healthcare clients, acting as a senior consultant to generate insights that lead to creative ideation and integrated solutions.
• Apply the agency’s planning frameworks for all clients and new business efforts to develop impactful strategic brand communication plans.
• Create insight-driven communications strategies aligning with client priorities that inspire innovative, culturally relevant, and audience-focused campaigns.
• Analyze market trends, stakeholder research, cultural shifts, competitor intelligence, and audience insights to generate actionable communication guidance.
• Collaborate with account management, creative, digital, and analytics teams ensuring strategic cohesion across deliverables.
• Lead research briefs and craft creative briefs to energize creative teams.
• Facilitate strategic workshops, messaging creation sessions, positioning exercises, and brand narrative development alongside clients and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Develop messaging architectures, audience segmentation approaches, communications frameworks, campaign strategies, and metrics for success.
• Identify emerging healthcare, AI, technology, media, and cultural trends to inform inventive client strategies.
• Advise on strategy during product launches, data releases, regulatory actions, crisis management, and corporate reputation initiatives.
• Mentor teams to enhance strategic thinking, storytelling, and insight development within the healthcare practice.
• Contribute leadership in business development by creating strategic plans, leading discovery meetings, supporting pitches, and presenting to prospects.
• Work jointly with senior leadership to uncover client growth and innovation opportunities within the healthcare sector.
• Promote the integration of AI, analytics, and emerging technologies to strengthen strategic planning and improve client results.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in agency-based strategic planning with specialization in healthcare.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business, Life Sciences, Public Health, or related disciplines.
• Comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, payers, providers, and patient advocacy.
• Proven leadership skills as an inspiring mentor and strategist.
• Proficient in crafting integrated communication strategies across multiple product lifecycle phases.
• Deep knowledge of healthcare audiences such as professionals, patients, caregivers, advocacy groups, policymakers, investors, and employees.
• Experience utilizing audience research, data analytics, cultural insights, and market intelligence to shape communications.
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, and storytelling abilities capable of influencing senior clients.
• Expertise in strategic planning for new business and agency pitches.
• Collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams, fostering strategic mindset at all levels.
• Curious and enthusiastic about emerging technologies including AI and their application in strategy and communication.
• Strong organizational capabilities to juggle priorities effectively within a dynamic agency environment.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Competitive base salary ranging from $160,000 to $240,000 with performance bonuses.
• Enrollment options in health, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, flexible spending account, and 401(k) retirement savings with matching contributions.
• Monthly allowances for cell phone and office equipment.
• Generous paid time off policies, including maternity and paternity leave.
• Commuter benefits for transit expenses.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.
• Flexible workplace arrangements and social events both on-site and off-site.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Our company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce free from discrimination or harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Diversity and inclusion are essential pillars for our global success and talent retention.