Senior Group Director, Strategy

About the role

Real Chemistry seeks a Senior Group Director, Strategy to lead the development and delivery of high-impact, insight-driven communications strategies across a diverse portfolio of healthcare clients. This role requires translating complex research, data, and cultural context into clear strategic frameworks that guide integrated programming and foster close collaboration with creative and scientific teams. The successful hire will act as a trusted strategic partner to both internal stakeholders and client decision-makers, shaping narratives that drive engagement and business growth. This position sits at the intersection of account leadership, creative direction, and commercial strategy, demanding the ability to identify and convert growth opportunities within a dynamic healthcare environment. The role is hybrid, with flexibility across key US locations including New York, Boston, Chicago, Carmel, or San Francisco, and remote work depending on team needs. Ultimately, the Senior Group Director, Strategy will be responsible for ensuring strategy is effectively translated and executed across teams to deliver measurable client outcomes.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the development of integrated communications strategies that address corporate and product narratives for healthcare clients.

Translate research insights, data analytics, and cultural context into actionable strategic frameworks and compelling narratives.

Develop detailed briefs, positioning statements, and communications architectures that guide creative programming and media execution.

Serve as a collaborative strategic partner to cross-functional internal teams, including account management, creative, and scientific functions.

Partner with client teams and cross-capabilities such as scientific, I2, creative, and advertising to design integrated, client-centric solutions.

Ensure strategic direction is consistently translated and executed across all project teams and touchpoints.

Leverage and help build internal tools, including AI-driven solutions, to create new ways of working and enhance strategic delivery with greater efficiency.

Identify and proactively shape opportunities to expand client scope, budgets, and overall remit through strategic account planning.

Strengthen relationships across client organizations by building access to senior decision-makers and forging new relationships with existing clients.

Partner with account and cross-functional teams to evolve existing work into higher-value strategic engagements, leading workshops, narratives, positioning, and fiscal planning cycles.

Demonstrate how strategic thinking drives client investment decisions and directly contributes to business growth and market differentiation.

Stay current on healthcare, biotech, consumer health, med tech, digital health, and communications trends to inform forward-looking strategic perspectives.

Contribute to the development of sector points of view, frameworks, and thought leadership assets for both internal and external audiences.

Support the creation of materials and tools that enhance market credibility, differentiation, and long-term client equity.

Act as a strategic thought leader in pitches, helping shape differentiated points of view that position the organization to win new business.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or integrated agency environments.

A strong track record of developing insight-led strategies and integrated communications frameworks and plans is essential.

Demonstrated experience supporting or contributing to new business development and account growth initiatives is required.

Deep understanding of healthcare audiences, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations is a non-negotiable requirement.

Proven ability to influence both client outcomes and internal business growth through strategic leadership and collaboration.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

Strong project management capabilities, including the capacity to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality output.

Experience leveraging data, research, and emerging technologies such as AI to drive strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative team environment that aligns with the company's values of accountability, excellence, and continuous evolution.

Willingness to adapt to changing business needs, including scope, responsibilities, and focus as the organization scales and evolves.

Nice to have

Preferred experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors with a deep appreciation for scientific and commercial nuances.

Background in developing and executing thought leadership programs and sector-specific frameworks.

Experience utilizing AI and advanced analytics to enhance strategic planning and client engagement.

Demonstrated success in mentoring junior strategists and contributing to talent development within a agency setting.

Practical notes

This is a hybrid role with flexibility to work from any of the following US locations: New York City (Water Street), Boston, Chicago, Carmel, or San Francisco.

Remote work within the United States is possible depending on team and business needs.

Travel may be required for client meetings, workshops, or business development activities as needed.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role.