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Associate Director, Paid Social (Life Sciences / Pharma Focus)

Denver, CO

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.

This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

As our Associate Director, Paid Social, you will lead the development and execution of high-impact paid social strategies for one or more clients, with a strong emphasis on Life Sciences and pharmaceutical brands. You bring deep expertise navigating regulated environments and understand how to balance performance, compliance, and innovation across platforms.

You’ll partner cross-functionally to translate complex business and marketing objectives into scalable, data-driven paid social programs. This role requires a strategic thinker who can push performance forward while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and delivering measurable business outcomes.

What You Will Do

  • Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of paid social campaigns across platforms such as Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, and emerging channels
  • Develop full-funnel paid social approaches tailored to Life Sciences and pharma brands, including HCP and patient targeting strategies
  • Ensure all campaigns meet regulatory, legal, and compliance standards (MLR familiarity required) while maintaining performance rigor
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (media, analytics, strategy, creative, and client services) to deliver integrated marketing initiatives
  • Own paid social performance, including optimization strategies, testing frameworks, and continuous improvement plans
  • Translate data into actionable insights, delivering clear, executive-level reporting and recommendations
  • Manage and forecast paid social budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and strong return on investment
  • Oversee platform best practices, staying ahead of changes in privacy, targeting, and platform capabilities—especially within regulated categories
  • Guide audience strategy development, including first-party data, privacy-safe targeting, and platform-native solutions
  • Serve as a senior client lead, providing strategic guidance and building strong, trusted relationships
  • Contribute to new business efforts, including paid social strategy development, pharma-specific POVs, and pitch presentations
  • Elevate internal standards and processes for paid social excellence, particularly within regulated verticals

What We Are Looking For

  • 8–10 years of paid social strategy and execution experience
  • Demonstrated experience working in Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries
  • Strong understanding of regulatory considerations, including MLR processes and compliance requirements in paid media
  • Proven ability to lead full-funnel paid social programs, including HCP and patient-focused campaigns
  • Deep platform expertise across Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, Reddit and other emerging paid social channels
  • Strong analytical mindset with experience translating performance data into strategic recommendations
  • Experience with social analytics, measurement frameworks, and platform tools (e.g., Sprinklr, platform-native tools, third-party measurement solutions)
  • Ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on operator when needed
  • Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to simplify complex strategies for executive audiences
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

Why MERGE

Integrated Outcomes is built on the belief that strategy only matters when execution is flawless. You will be supported by advanced analytics, testing frameworks, and senior leadership, but your precision and craftsmanship will directly drive results for a high-profile enterprise client.

#LI-VM1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $86,450 - $103,750, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.  

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

And here’s how we live our values at MERGE

  • Ability. Mastering our craft
  • Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
  • Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!

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