Vice President, Public Relations (Health) Job at Highwire in Chicago
Highwire, Chicago, IL, United States
Vice Presidents of Health at Highwire serve as senior leaders within the firm's Health Industry Sector Team, shaping strategy, driving growth, and delivering impactful communications programs for the world's most innovative and influential health brands. They oversee a portfolio of complex, high-value accounts, lead senior client relationships, and guide teams in delivering consistent, exceptional results. This role represents a leadership opportunity for strategic, hands‑on communications professionals with 10+ years of agency experience and deep fluency in the health ecosystem—spanning life sciences, health innovations, and the business of health. Vice Presidents mentor teams, contribute to thought leadership, and play an important role in new business development, talent growth, and the continued evolution of Highwire's Health offering.
Key Responsibilities Practice & Client Leadership
Serve as a lead for a portfolio of key health accounts, setting strategic direction and ensuring best‑in‑class delivery.
Advise clients across life sciences, specialty pharma, biotechnology, rare disease, clinical trials, medtech, health technology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health platforms, pharmacy, senior care, Medicaid/Medicare, and health services.
Define and oversee integrated communications strategies that build brand authority, trust, and long‑term market leadership in a highly regulated and mission‑driven industry.
Provide executive‑level counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation management, issues and crisis response, and science‑to‑story narratives.
Guide teams in translating complex clinical, scientific, and health technology concepts into clear, compelling, and business‑relevant stories for executive, clinical, patient, and mainstream audiences.
Own senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and escalation point while ensuring client satisfaction, retention, and expansion.
Identify and drive organic growth opportunities across existing accounts, including expanded thought leadership, research‑driven storytelling, and executive visibility programs.
Oversee financial performance for assigned accounts, including budgets, forecasting, staffing models, and margin management.
Media, Thought Leadership & Market Influence
Contribute to Highwire's point of view on health industry trends, clinical innovation, regulatory developments, and market shifts across life sciences, health tech, and the business of health.
Maintain and deepen relationships with top‑tier health, science, trade, business, and policy media, as well as analysts and key industry influencers.
Oversee thought leadership programs grounded in clinical research, product innovation, health policy, and data‑driven insights.
Guide executive visibility strategies, including media training, keynote placements, bylined content, and conference speaking opportunities for CMOs, Chief Medical Officers, and other health executives.
Support integrated amplification strategies across earned, owned, and social channels to extend the reach of clinical milestones, product launches, and executive commentary.
Represent Highwire and its clients at major health industry events and conferences (e.g., HIMSS, JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, BIO International, HLTH, ViVE, and relevant disease‑area forums).
Agency Operations, Leadership & Growth
Lead, mentor, and develop account teams, setting a high standard for strategic thinking, client service, and quality.
Support team growth through recruitment, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Play a key role in new business development, contributing to pitch strategy, proposal development, and client presentations.
Partner with agency leadership and peers to support Highwire's health go‑to‑market efforts and service evolution.
Contribute to agency marketing initiatives, including award submissions, case studies, and promotion of proprietary health research and insights.
Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and uphold the firm's commitment to DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging).
Success Factors
10+ years of PR or strategic communications experience, with significant agency leadership experience (required)
Deep expertise leading communications for health companies, including life sciences, specialty pharma, biotech, medtech, digital health, or health services
Proven success owning and scaling integrated communications programs for complex, high‑growth health and life sciences clients
Strong command of the health media landscape, analyst community, patient advocacy groups, and industry influencers
Solid understanding of the regulatory and compliance environment governing health communications, including FDA, FTC, HIPAA, and relevant industry codes
Exceptional strategic writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities, with the ability to translate science into narrative
Demonstrated experience providing executive‑level client counsel and managing senior stakeholder relationships, including C‑suite and board‑level engagement
Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high‑performing teams
Strong business acumen, including experience with forecasting, resourcing, and revenue growth
Experience supporting and winning new business in a competitive agency environment
Confident, collaborative, and decisive leader with a passion for health innovation and improving patient and population outcomes
Thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment while balancing strategic and operational priorities
Salary range: $130,000 to $175,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth.
Benefits
Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth
Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
Early log‑off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
401(k) plan with employer matching
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
Paid parental leave benefits
Commuter benefits
Annual Growth Mindset Stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
Monthly technology reimbursement
Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
Donation matching program
Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
Monthly recognition and team celebrations
Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
Dog‑friendly office environment
A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work
Location & Work Environment Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.
Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with two in‑office days per week.
Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities Practice & Client Leadership
Serve as a lead for a portfolio of key health accounts, setting strategic direction and ensuring best‑in‑class delivery.
Advise clients across life sciences, specialty pharma, biotechnology, rare disease, clinical trials, medtech, health technology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health platforms, pharmacy, senior care, Medicaid/Medicare, and health services.
Define and oversee integrated communications strategies that build brand authority, trust, and long‑term market leadership in a highly regulated and mission‑driven industry.
Provide executive‑level counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation management, issues and crisis response, and science‑to‑story narratives.
Guide teams in translating complex clinical, scientific, and health technology concepts into clear, compelling, and business‑relevant stories for executive, clinical, patient, and mainstream audiences.
Own senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and escalation point while ensuring client satisfaction, retention, and expansion.
Identify and drive organic growth opportunities across existing accounts, including expanded thought leadership, research‑driven storytelling, and executive visibility programs.
Oversee financial performance for assigned accounts, including budgets, forecasting, staffing models, and margin management.
Media, Thought Leadership & Market Influence
Contribute to Highwire's point of view on health industry trends, clinical innovation, regulatory developments, and market shifts across life sciences, health tech, and the business of health.
Maintain and deepen relationships with top‑tier health, science, trade, business, and policy media, as well as analysts and key industry influencers.
Oversee thought leadership programs grounded in clinical research, product innovation, health policy, and data‑driven insights.
Guide executive visibility strategies, including media training, keynote placements, bylined content, and conference speaking opportunities for CMOs, Chief Medical Officers, and other health executives.
Support integrated amplification strategies across earned, owned, and social channels to extend the reach of clinical milestones, product launches, and executive commentary.
Represent Highwire and its clients at major health industry events and conferences (e.g., HIMSS, JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, BIO International, HLTH, ViVE, and relevant disease‑area forums).
Agency Operations, Leadership & Growth
Lead, mentor, and develop account teams, setting a high standard for strategic thinking, client service, and quality.
Support team growth through recruitment, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Play a key role in new business development, contributing to pitch strategy, proposal development, and client presentations.
Partner with agency leadership and peers to support Highwire's health go‑to‑market efforts and service evolution.
Contribute to agency marketing initiatives, including award submissions, case studies, and promotion of proprietary health research and insights.
Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and uphold the firm's commitment to DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging).
Success Factors
10+ years of PR or strategic communications experience, with significant agency leadership experience (required)
Deep expertise leading communications for health companies, including life sciences, specialty pharma, biotech, medtech, digital health, or health services
Proven success owning and scaling integrated communications programs for complex, high‑growth health and life sciences clients
Strong command of the health media landscape, analyst community, patient advocacy groups, and industry influencers
Solid understanding of the regulatory and compliance environment governing health communications, including FDA, FTC, HIPAA, and relevant industry codes
Exceptional strategic writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities, with the ability to translate science into narrative
Demonstrated experience providing executive‑level client counsel and managing senior stakeholder relationships, including C‑suite and board‑level engagement
Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high‑performing teams
Strong business acumen, including experience with forecasting, resourcing, and revenue growth
Experience supporting and winning new business in a competitive agency environment
Confident, collaborative, and decisive leader with a passion for health innovation and improving patient and population outcomes
Thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment while balancing strategic and operational priorities
Salary range: $130,000 to $175,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth.
Benefits
Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth
Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
Early log‑off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
401(k) plan with employer matching
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
Paid parental leave benefits
Commuter benefits
Annual Growth Mindset Stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
Monthly technology reimbursement
Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
Donation matching program
Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
Monthly recognition and team celebrations
Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
Dog‑friendly office environment
A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work
Location & Work Environment Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.
Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with two in‑office days per week.
Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.
#J-18808-Ljbffr