POSITION: Vice President (Associate Director), Healthcare Public Affairs & Policy
PRACTICE: HEALTH
LOCATION: BRUSSELS
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.
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, helping our clients seamlessly navigate the ever‑changing landscape.
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 leading a team of EU & Global health communications and policy specialists while building on the success of WS in corporate healthcare; expanding and propelling the business forward. You will bring fresh thinking, new business opportunities and a proven track record in securing organic growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the client portfolio, including large pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient advocacy groups and medical societies.
* Serve as the senior point of contact for clients, understanding their needs and translating them into effective integrated communications and advocacy strategies.
* Maintain client satisfaction, manage relationships and ensure projects are executed in alignment with clients’ expectations and goals.
* Take charge of resource allocation for clients, considering budgets and required skill sets, and collaborate with expertise leads across The Weber Shandwick Collective.
* Develop fully integrated plans from the big idea through to media strategy, leveraging agency expertise and coordinating integrated teams.
* Design and implement public affairs, advocacy and issues management campaigns for pharma, biotech, medical associations and patient groups.
* Support business development, strategic program planning, and the development of creative concepts.
* Act as a two‑way translator between clients and integrated teams, counseling development of work in the best interest of all parties.
Leadership & Talent Development
* Report to the Head of Health and mentor account leads & portfolio team members.
* Partner closely with teams across broader EMEA health & corporate business, building relationships with health & corporate leads in Brussels and other EMEA offices.
* Mentor, coach and develop direct reports to deliver high performance while supporting personal and professional development goals.
* Participate in hiring and onboarding of talent; support and develop processes to enhance inclusive hiring practices for the team.
Growth & Business Development
* Identify new areas of growth with existing clients and introduce specialists to expand assignments.
* Actively participate in new business pitches.
What We’re Looking For
* 8‑10 years proven experience working on EU & Global Public Affairs & Policy campaigns for the healthcare sector, particularly pharma & biotech.
* Ideally agency experience, having reached Account Director level.
* EU Citizen currently living in Brussels.
* Strong communicator combined with strong project management and people management skills.
What 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.
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. 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.
Equal Opportunities Employer Statement
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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