Initiativbewerbung / Open Application

POSITION: Vice President (Associate Director), Healthcare Public Affairs & Policy

PRACTICE: HEALTH

LOCATION: BRUSSELS

 

A little bit about us in Health

It’s never been a more challenging and exciting time to work in health communications. Artificial intelligence, data-driven insights and tangible tech solutions are all being used to communicate with a public – including patients, healthcare professionals and media – who are more engaged than ever before. At Weber Shandwick, we’ve always been on the front foot when it comes to innovation within the industry. We delve deeper to deliver genuine impact, empowering audiences to manage their own health whilst meeting business objectives for our clients.

It’s no surprise that big changes call for bold approaches. While Health is a serious business, campaigns can still be engaging and inspiring! Our diverse team is known for bringing science to life through digital innovation and multi-platform creative work. We handpick the best talent in the industry to include not only science communicators, but also specialists in strategy and planning, health analytics & digital experts, award-winning creatives, media experts & corporate & public affairs specialists to name but a few, to help our clients seamlessly navigate the ever-changing landscape. At Weber Shandwick, we push boundaries in health to deliver meaningful and industry leading inclusion offerings such as the Weber Shandwick Women’s Health and Health Equity initiatives.

 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Vice President (Associate Director level) candidate with solid experience in healthcare public affairs & policy, to join our impressive Health team in Brussels. Reporting to the Head of Health, you will support in leading a team of EU & Global health communications and policy specialists whilst also building on the success of WS in corporate healthcare; to expand and propel the business forward. As part of this, we are looking for a candidate who can bring fresh thinking, new business opportunities and prospects in pharma and health and a proven track record in securing organic growth

Your primary responsibility is to support in leading and managing the client portfolio, including large pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient advocacy groups and medical societies. You will be the senior point of contact for clients, understanding their needs, and translating them into effective integrated communications and advocacy strategies. As a senior member of the team, you are responsible for maintaining client satisfaction, managing client relationships, and ensuring that projects are executed in alignment with the clients’ expectations & goals. 

The SVP Lead will also take charge of resource allocation for their clients, taking into account the budgets & the required skill sets working in close collaboration with the expertise members across The Weber Shandwick Collective. This involves understanding the expertise required for each project and communicating these needs to the appropriate expertise leads. 

 

CLIENT AND WORK:  

• Leads client and inter-agency relationships, including all aspects of a client relationship and integrated account team   
• Develops fully integrated plans, from the big idea through to media strategy by leveraging agency expertise and corralling integrated teams

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how to design and implement public affairs, advocacy and issues management campaigns on behalf of pharma and biotech companies, medical associations and patient groups

• Supports business development, strategic program planning, and the development of creative concepts

• Acts as effective, two-way translator between clients and integrated teams, actively counseling development of work in best interest of all parties

 

LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT:  

• Reports to the Head of Health and mentors account leads & portfolio team members.  You will also partner closely with our teams across the broader EMEA health & corporate business as well as developing close relationships with health & corporate leads in both Brussels and across other EMEA offices to navigate additional business opportunities and help drive new business into Brussels.

• Mentors, coaches and develops direct reports to deliver high performance while supporting personal and professional development goals

• Actively participates in the hiring and onboarding of talent; Supports and develops processes to enhance inclusive hiring practices for team

 

GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:  . 

• Identifies new areas of growth with existing clients and introduces specialists to expand assignments; Actively participates in new business pitches

 

What we’re looking for

• 8-10 year’s proven experience working on EU & Global Public Affairs & Policy campaigns for the healthcare sector, particularly pharma & biotech.
• Ideally experience of working in an agency environment, having reached Account Director level 
• EU Citizen and currently living in Brussels
• Strong communicator combined with strong project management and people management skills.
• Fluent in English

 

What do we offer?

Weber Shandwick Brussels offers invaluable opportunities for enthusiastic and driven individuals to grow as Public Affairs professionals. We offer a competitive salary with excellent benefits (mobile phone, group insurance, hospitalization & extra medical costs insurance, a representation allowance, lunch vouchers), 20 days annual leave + 10 days extra legal holidays, and flexible working (including up to 6 weeks working from abroad).

We are a global company so we offer the advantages of a big firm, including leading-edge AI and analytics tools and the resources to invest in your personal and professional growth. But, at our heart, we still have the spirit of the small company we used to be: entrepreneurial, ambitious, fun. We are known for our imaginative and powerful campaigns that drive policy change, great client relations, collaboration, and teamwork – and our success is down to our amazing people. We look for original thinkers, who are passionate about policy and politics, and have a point of view, those who are constantly curious, commercially-driven, deliver to a high standard, and are keen to contribute to our success. 

 

About us

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses, and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. The Weber Shandwick Collective is part of the wider Interpublic Group.

With over 15 different nationalities in the office, Weber Shandwick Brussels truly represents the heart of Europe. We’re lucky to attract some of the best minds in PA, PR & Comms. At Weber Shandwick, you can be yourself and own your impact. We encourage an inclusive work environment where being authentic, caring for each other, and being entrepreneurial is part of our core values. We foster a culture of growth and collaboration, we celebrate the hard work we do, and we care for each other’s wellbeing while doing it. Come work with us and be a part of shaping culture.

 

Note from the Talent Acquisition Team

Weber Shandwick is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability status. We make our careers website accessible to all users, if you need accommodation to participate in the application process, please let your Recruiter know. We got you!

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Who is Weber Shandwick? 

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.  

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, consumer tech, consumer health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for:

• Develop data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact 
• Creating impactful creative campaigns that tap into culture 
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

What’s happening?

We are looking for a highly-experienced Account Director to join our Consumer team in London. You’ll be collaborating with a brilliant team to oversee the running client work – both locally and globally – as well as provide counsel and strategic direction, and motivate the team to craft work that truly is their best.

What will you be doing?

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients and improve the company’s reputation in terms of delivery and quality
• Provide strategic counsel to clients where possible, being able to assess problems and define logical and effective solutions for clients
• Lead the delivery of high quality earned activity, which includes development of media and channel strategies, story development and management of third parties
• Brief and inform account teams. Communicate expectations/goals to team on an ongoing basis, helping to keep team motivated by communicating clear tasks and actions
• Successfully manage client expectations, team resources, and deliverables around major campaigns and projects
• Function across disciplines with a knowledge of social media strategies and tactics
• Monitor media outlets for coverage of client and competitor news, leveraging digital and social outlets, a diverse set of influencers, etc
• Understand industry issues that directly and indirectly affect the client
• Compose media materials (press releases, pitch notes, client briefings, messaging documents, sample Q&A, proposals, bylined articles, supporting social content, etc.) and conducts media outreach
• Develop and builds relationships with media
• Brainstorm and bring to life compelling ideas for client and media
• Work successfully with partner agencies as part of a client integrated agency team, both internally at WS and externally

Who are you?

• A brilliant understanding of what makes an earned story – and how to make them travel across multiple channels
• An excellent communicator, you’ll build connections quickly with the people around you
• Strategic mindset – you will be able to anticipate potential roadblocks and keep ahead of the curve with emerging trends
• Proven project management skills, leading multiple teams, as well as interagency, to deliver work that
• Strong social and digital acumen – highly competent at developing and executing influencer programs, social listening and wider digital and social strategies

 

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off and discretionary festive closure
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6-month+ contracts to support home working setup
• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• Flexible public holidays
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

Note from the talent team:

We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG DXTRA we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

#LI-JG1

Who is Weber Shandwick?

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses e.g. HSBC, IKEA and Unilever to name a few. 

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, retail, consumer tech, and consumer health. We are known for:

• Developing data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
• Generating impactful creative campaigns that tap into culture
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

What’s happening?

Join our dynamic team where innovation meets expertise. Weber Shandwick Scotland is looking for an experienced, ambitious and energetic Account Director to join our team and support some of our most exciting clients, both globally and locally.

You will have the unique opportunity to shape the narrative for leading companies in the consumer space. You’ll be joining a talented team that creates cultural value and helps brands navigate the ever-changing age of communications: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity.

We are proud to work with the world’s largest corporations, companies, and organisations. This role offers you the same opportunity – to work with the biggest and best clients in the world.  

What will you be doing?

• Build client relationships by providing counsel to multiple clients, driving execution of tactical plans to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Successfully manages client expectations, team resources, and deliverables around major campaigns and projects.
• Serve as an active participant in client meetings and presentations; crafts, presents, and executes integrated communications strategies for major campaigns.
• Conduct and manages the flow of research and materials development necessary to analyse client issues.
• Function across disciplines with a knowledge of social media strategies and tactics.
• Monitor media outlets for coverage of client and competitor news, leveraging digital and social outlets, a diverse set of influencers, etc.
• Understand industry issues that directly and indirectly affect the client.
• Compose media materials (press releases, pitch notes, client briefings, messaging documents, sample Q&A, proposals, bylined articles, supporting social content, etc.) and conducts media outreach.
• Proof and edits client-related documents.
• Develop and builds relationships with media
• Brainstorm and brings to life compelling ideas for clients and media.
• Lead teams to conduct pressing research on a wide range of issues, reviews and prepares executive summaries and/or analyses of information into strategic and actionable recommendations.

Who are you?

• Already working as an Account Director in a PR agency
• Proven experience within media relations planning for consumer clients
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Ability to translate client needs into effective project plans
• Strong collaboration skills
• Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities
• Ability to deliver campaigns across multiple platforms
• Ability to effectively build external relationships

 

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off and discretionary festive closure
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6-month+ contracts to support home working setup
• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• Flexible public holidays
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

Note from the talent team:

We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG DXTRA we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

#LI-JG1