Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Health)

The Senior Vice President, Health is a strategic leadership role designed for a seasoned communications professional with deep expertise in health PR. This role is critical in driving growth, client success, and operational excellence within Highwire's dynamic, award-winning environment. Reporting to agency leadership, the SVP will lead high-impact client engagements across the health sector, spearhead business development, and mentor account teams to exceed client expectations while aligning with Highwire's core values.

The ideal candidate has 13+ years of progressive experience, a proven track record managing large client portfolios across health communications sectors — including life sciences, biotech, pharma, digital health, and medtech — and the ability to inspire teams and influence clients at the highest levels.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact at a thriving agency, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and grow alongside some of the brightest talent in health communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as senior strategic counsel for clients with account revenue oversight 
• Develop and execute innovative, results-driven communications strategies that drive measurable business outcomes and elevate client brands within the health sector.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with C-suite executives, medical affairs leaders, and senior stakeholders at client organizations, acting as a key strategic advisor.
• Lead Key Opinion Leader engagement strategies that amplify scientific credibility and support disease awareness, product launches, and corporate reputation programs.
• Develop and oversee patient-centric communications campaigns, health equity narratives, and disease awareness initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Navigate FDA/regulatory communications environments with sound judgment, ensuring all messaging is strategically compelling and appropriately compliant.
• Lead new business development efforts by identifying opportunities within existing accounts and spearheading pitches for new clients aligned with agency growth targets.
• Collaborate closely with integrated teams to deliver seamless multi-channel campaigns leveraging traditional PR, digital, social media, and health influencer engagement.
• Translate complex clinical data, scientific research, and medical information into clear, compelling narratives for lay, patient, and professional audiences.
• Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, mentoring, coaching, and developing account teams to maximize their potential.
• Oversee staff performance management including setting objectives, monitoring development, and conducting performance reviews.
• Act as a visible leader representing Highwire Health and its clients at industry events, medical conferences, and health sector forums to enhance networking and business development.
• Manage client profitability by closely monitoring billability, resource allocation, and budget adherence.
• Contribute to agency infrastructure initiatives that support operational efficiency, client service excellence, and talent development.
• Drive a key agency cornerstone such as client service excellence, revenue growth, or operational improvements.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams as needed to manage budgets related to your accounts or client programs.

Success Factors

• Minimum 13 years of experience in communications, with a focus on health PR — including life sciences, biotech, pharma, digital health, or medtech — with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and nurturing senior client relationships and managing complex, multi-stakeholder accounts within regulated health and science environments.
• Exceptional media relations skills with a strong, established network of top-tier reporters and editors across health trade, consumer health, science, and medical press.
• Demonstrated excellence in translating complex clinical and scientific data into strategic storytelling, content development, and media placements across print, online, and social platforms.
• Experience leading integrated campaigns that combine traditional health PR with digital, social, and health influencer strategies.
• Deep familiarity with FDA/regulatory communications considerations and the ability to counsel clients on sensitive, high-stakes communications challenges.
• Demonstrated experience with patient advocacy engagement, health equity communications, and disease awareness program development.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with a collaborative management style.
• Outstanding judgment, problem-solving ability, and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Experience establishing and tracking measurement and ROI for health communications programs.
• Passion for fostering a culture that embraces Highwire's values of Fierce Distinction and Growth Mindset, and a commitment to DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) in all aspects of the role.

The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $249,000, 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 also 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. #LI-Hybrid