Description

Our consulting agency client is looking for a Freelance VP, Associate Creative Director, Art to lead the visual development and execution of breakthrough creative solutions for a leading US pharmaceutical client.

This will be fulltime hours, and will be ongoing.

Remote!

This individual will partner closely with Creative Directors, Copy Leads, Account teams, Strategy, Medical, and Client stakeholders to deliver impactful, insight-driven work that engages healthcare professionals, patients, and key stakeholders across multiple channels.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished creative leader with a strong portfolio of healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing work, a deep understanding of the regulatory environment, and a passion for mentoring teams while elevating creative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership

  • Lead the conception, development, and execution of compelling visual ideas across integrated pharmaceutical campaigns.
  • Translate complex scientific and clinical information into clear, engaging, and visually impactful communications.
  • Drive creative excellence across all brand touchpoints, ensuring work is strategically aligned and visually innovative.
  • Present creative concepts and rationale confidently to clients, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams.
  • Maintain a high standard of art direction, design, and visual storytelling throughout all stages of development.

Client Partnership

  • Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and serve as a trusted creative advisor.
  • Participate in client presentations, workshops, and strategic planning sessions.
  • Understand client business objectives, competitive landscape, and market dynamics to deliver meaningful creative solutions.
  • Provide recommendations that support brand growth and commercial objectives.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

  • Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of Art Directors, Senior Art Directors, and Designers.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive creative culture that encourages innovation and professional growth.
  • Provide clear, constructive feedback and guidance throughout the creative process.
  • Support talent development and contribute to recruiting and team-building efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Copy, Strategy, Medical, Regulatory, Account, and Project Management teams.
  • Ensure all creative solutions balance brand strategy, scientific accuracy, regulatory compliance, and creative excellence.
  • Collaborate with digital, experience, and production teams to execute omnichannel campaigns effectively.

Brand Stewardship

  • Maintain consistency of visual identity and brand standards across all materials.
  • Drive creative innovation while adhering to FDA, OPDP, and pharmaceutical regulatory requirements.
  • Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, omnichannel engagement, and healthcare communications best practices.

Qualifications

Required Experience

  • 8+ years of agency experience, including significant pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare advertising experience.
  • Previous experience leading art direction on HCP and/or consumer pharmaceutical brands.
  • Proven success managing and mentoring creative teams.
  • Strong experience presenting directly to clients and senior stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

  • Exceptional art direction, design, and visual storytelling abilities.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating integrated pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing work.
  • Deep understanding of digital, social, experiential, print, video, and omnichannel marketing.
  • Knowledge of FDA regulations and the medical-legal-regulatory (MLR) review process.
  • Ability to simplify complex scientific information into compelling visual narratives.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced agency environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working on blockbuster pharmaceutical brands and launches.
  • Rare disease, oncology, specialty, or immunology experience.
  • Experience leading integrated omnichannel campaigns targeting healthcare professionals and patients.
  • Familiarity with AI-enabled creative tools and emerging digital engagement technologies.