VP, Associate Director, Media - DTC

Title: VP, Associate Director, Media

Company/Location: SSCG Media Group/NYC. Hybrid-Role

SSCG Media Group (SSCGMedia.com) is the one of the largest full-service, 100% pharma-focused strategic media planning and buying group in the world and is a proud member of Omnicom.

We’re a collaborative, fast-growing team that believes success comes from curiosity, creativity and continuous learning. See how Substance, Style, Conviction and Grace (SSCG) are held as core values and recognized in you. We offer rich opportunities for our talent to learn and grow, be challenged, and find their passion in their work.

If you have Substance, Style, Conviction and Grace (along with all the skills below), we want to hear from you!

We’re seeking a VP, Associate Director to lead strategic media planning for a pharmaceutical brand launch.  This role requires a deep understanding of the overall marketing ecosystem and how media strategy drives brand success – particularly within the highly regulated Direct-to-Consumer (DTC pharmaceutical space).

The VP, Associate Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of media planning and implementation, ensuring that strategies are insight-driven, integrated across channels and aligned with brand goals. This individual will report to the SVP, Director and will manage a team, guide client relationships and collaborate across departments to deliver innovative, compliant and effective campaigns.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

1. Knowledge
   • Deep understanding of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) marketing within the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory considerations and patient engagement strategies
   • Expert knowledge of all DTC media channels – television, digital, social, programmatic, out-of-home and emerging platforms and how they integrate to create a cohesive media ecosystem
   • Proficiency in television planning, including audience segmentation, media mix modeling and campaign performance evaluation
   • Strong grasp of data-driven decision-making and media measurement frameworks (reach, frequency, ROI, brand lift, etc.)
   • Awareness of current and emerging trends in consumer media consumption, digital transformation and healthcare communications
   • Knowledge of broader marketing practice, including creative, strategy, analytics and how each discipline contributes to brand success
2. Managing and Leading Others
   • Lead, mentor and develop team members while fostering collaboration, curiosity and accountability
   • Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback and professional development opportunities to direct reports
   • Manage workload allocation, resource planning and prioritization across projects
   • Promote a culture of continuous learning, encouraging innovation and excellence in media strategy and execution
   • Support diversity of thought and ensure team members feel empowered to contribute ideas and challenge assumptions
3. Strategy & Account Management
   • Lead the development of holistic, insight-driven media strategies that align with client marketing objectives and brand goals
   • Translate brand strategy and audience insights into integrated media plans that effectively reach and engage target consumers
   • Partner closely with internal and external teams to ensure seamless collaboration and campaign integration
   • Oversee all aspects of media planning, including research, channel mix recommendations, investment strategy and optimization
   • Manage budgets and timelines, ensuring efficient use of resources and delivery of high-quality work
   • Collaborate with investment and buying teams to ensure execution aligns with strategic objectives and media performance goals
   • Lead internal reviews and post-campaign analyses to identify learnings and inform future planning
4. Client Service
   • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic counsel on media planning, channel selection and performance insights
   • Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, transparency and strategic leadership
   • Present media recommendations, plans and results clearly and persuasively to clients and senior stakeholders
   • Maintain an expert understanding of client business challenges and competitive landscapes to anticipate needs and recommend forward-looking solutions

Qualifications and Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in media planning with at least 3 years focused on pharmaceutical or healthcare brands
• Proven expertise in pharmaceutical DTC media planning and television strategy
• Strong understanding of cross-channel integration and omnichannel marketing
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising or related field (Master’s degree a plus)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to manage multiple projects and tasks effectively with flawless customer–centric focus
• Strong leadership and/or management experience, including mentoring junior team members and building a team
• Exhibits strong initiative, sound attention to detail and ability to think strategically
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter, who can work independently and in team environment

Salary Range - $142,000-$167,500