Associate Director, Business Leadership

About R/GA

In our 40-year history, we’ve changed a lot—from a culture-defining film title studio (Superman, Alien, Ghostbusters); to an interactive advertising agency; to an award-winning product and marketing agency with design, technology, communications, ventures and IP practices. We like change, and like to navigate our clients through it too.

Our approach to work is always human first. This unwavering focus helps us create meaningful and memorable experiences that live across digital platforms and often blur the line between the digital and real worlds. We believe disruptive thinking happens when you collide experts in design, technology and culture.

About the Role

Our Business Leadership team serves as the first line of contact with our clients—identifying needs, guiding teams, and driving measurable outcomes. As an Associate Director, Business Leadership working on a pharmaceutical client, you will lead integrated projects within a highly regulated environment, translating complex business objectives into clear direction for internal teams while maintaining excellence in both strategic and creative delivery.

This role requires recent pharmaceutical marketing experience, with a strong understanding of legal, medical, and regulatory (MLR/PRC) processes, and hands-on familiarity with systems such as Veeva Vault PromoMats. You’ll partner closely with cross-functional teams to navigate pharma workflows, ensure compliance, and deliver innovative, channel-integrated work—including digital, social, creator/influencer content, and branded experiences.

You will manage multiple workstreams, guide day-to-day interactions with Director-level clients, and help shape engagement strategies that support long-term growth.

Here’s what you should know if you want to be an Associate Director, Business Leadership at R/GA: 

On any given day, you might

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for Director-level pharma clients—translating brand, legal, regulatory, and medical requirements into clear guidance for internal teams.
• Lead projects through the full lifecycle—from strategic planning and creative development through MLR submissions, Veeva routing, and final delivery.
• Manage pharma-specific workflows, anticipating regulatory hurdles and shaping recommendations that balance creativity, compliance, and speed.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback on strategic and creative work, grounded in patient, or caregiver insights and pharmaceutical category norms.
• Predict client feedback and proactively present multiple pathways through complex regulatory constraints.
• Create nuanced timelines that reflect cross-functional interdependencies, MLR cycles, partner agency inputs, and brand team needs.
• Advise clients on shifts in workstreams, timelines, or regulatory implications—making recommendations independently where appropriate.
• Mentor and coach junior Business Leadership team members, including training on pharma compliance fundamentals.
• Lead internal team direction to create a collaborative, informed, and regulation-aware working environment.
• Identify organic growth opportunities within the pharma business—leading proposals, staffing models, and scoping approaches.
• Partner with Program Management to manage scope and resources, flagging issues early and offering solutions.
• Drive profitability across your projects and understand how decisions influence broader organizational financial health.
• Support the creation of Quarterly Business Reviews, financial analyses, and recurring client communications.
• Confidently lead conversations around incremental fees, expanded scope, and evolving client needs.
• Participate in thought leadership and industry engagement related to healthcare marketing, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

The ideal person

• Has strong project management and operational skills, including an ability to navigate complex, multi-step regulatory workflows.
• Communicates clearly and confidently, especially when synthesizing regulatory feedback or providing strategic recommendations.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments and adapts to evolving regulatory or business realities.
• Understands how pharmaceutical decisions impact other teams and can help resolve conflicts constructively.
• Brings fresh thinking informed by prior pharma experience—challenging norms while respecting compliance requirements.
• Is seen as a strategic partner who understands client objectives, risks, patient impact, and brand strategies.
• Balances big-picture thinking with detailed project management and execution.

You Bring

• 5-9 years client engagement experience in an integrated or digital agency environment, with direct experience in pharmaceutical marketing supporting HCP or DTC audiences.
• Proven track record managing end-to-end pharma campaigns across omnichannel ecosystems (web, mobile, social-first content, experiential, influencer, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with MLR/PRC review processes and Veeva Vault PromoMats or equivalent.
• Familiarity with IAT (Integrated Agency Team) collaboration models common in pharma.
• Experience leading multiple concurrent projects and a portfolio valued at $2M–$3M.
• Fluency in integrated and tech-enabled campaigns, including AI-powered solutions, talent/influencer partnerships, and co-created platform work—adapted for regulated contexts.
• Experience managing and mentoring junior team members.
• Ability to identify and lead organic growth opportunities within your business.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Drive, Teams, Sharepoint and Slack.
• Quick actions and operational excellence in project management and delivery
• Strong internal and client communications, across all levels and disciplines

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*This role is based in NYC. Candidates must be located in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, or CT) or willing to relocate. This position offers a hybrid work model, with regular in-person collaboration, team / client workshops and client travel expected.

The hiring range for this position is $110,000 to $140,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s applicable skills, pertinent experience, and qualifications.