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VP, Healthcare Public Affairs

Washington, DC

Overview

Porter Novelli is a global communication company with offices across the US and internationally in London, Mexico City, and Toronto. In a shifting landscape of audience power, our global network of sharp minds leverages our world-class smart data as we decode change, navigate culture, and deepen authenticity to unlock value for our clients. We believe that our culture is the beating heart of Porter Novelli. We have cultivated a vibrant and inclusive environment where individuals come together to form a dynamic and supportive community. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member brings to the table. Our company culture is built upon our five core values: Accountability, Courage, Curiosity, Diversity + Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Role

The VP, Healthcare Public Affairs will join a dynamic Healthcare & Pharmaceutical team, which is Porter Novelli’s largest practice globally. This position is a critical leadership role, responsible for developing and executing communications strategies across large pharmaceutical programs, including pre-approval, approval, and post-approval stakeholder engagement. A strong understanding of healthcare policy, regulatory processes, and industry data is essential. While pharmaceutical experience is ideal, a deep passion for healthcare is most important.

As a VP on our team, you will have a well-supported path for career growth. Opportunities may include collaborating with our leading pharma clients across a variety of therapeutic areas and supporting the growing focus on health policy initiatives. This role is an exciting blend of product communications, corporate communications, advocacy, issues management, and public affairs.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships by providing strategic counsel and leading account teams in healthcare public affairs, ensuring alignment with clients’ regulatory and policy objectives.
  • Managing integrated communications strategies that address public affairs needs, such as public policy challenges, industry regulations, and advocacy initiatives.
  • Leading new business development efforts, including identifying opportunities in healthcare public affairs, participating in pitches, and supporting agency-wide initiatives.
  • Overseeing account management, ensuring strategic objectives are met, guiding teams to excel, and managing finances profitably.
  • Mentoring, motiving and leading junior account team members, fostering a collaborative team environment, and empowering them to contribute to the overall success and growth of the account.

The Experience That Will Contribute To Your Success

  • Deep understanding of healthcare communications, regulatory environments, and barriers to success, with a specific focus on healthcare policy and public affairs.
  • Current knowledge of challenges facing the pharma industry, especially in areas impacting public affairs, such as evolving stakeholder perceptions, health regulations, policy changes, and industry standards.
  • Strong expertise in developing integrated communications strategies that combine public affairs, media relations, digital, and social platforms.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing and growing healthcare and pharmaceutical accounts, including organic growth and business development.
  • Approximately 10 years of public relations experience, ideally with healthcare public affairs or healthcare agency experience.
  • Experience in healthcare policy communications, advocacy, program development, and execution, with specific knowledge of pharmaceutical and direct-to-consumer product marketing.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $140,000 - $180,000. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography. Benefits at Porter Novelli include a range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match and generous paid time off benefits are also available.  Employees from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

As an Omnicom company, Porter Novelli offers a robust suite of benefits for our employees:

  • Medical & Prescription
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k (with discretionary employer match)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • Vacation, Sick & Personal Days
  • 14 Paid Company Holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
  • Parental Leave
  • Family Forming Benefits
  • Wellness Benefit
  • Hybrid Working Environment (2 days remote, 3 days in office)

Porter Novelli is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment against any person on account of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other eligible veteran, age, marital status, veteran status, or physical or mental handicap unrelated in nature and extent to an individual's ability to perform a job or any other characteristic protected by the employment discrimination laws in any state or political subdivision in which Porter Novelli does business.

 

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