Account Director, Digital Marketing, Pharma

• * HYBRID position in Edison, NJ. Please only apply if you can work in Edison, NJ office 3 days/week**

Salary - $110,000 - $130,000

We’re growing! Which is why we need you.

Our small, agile, entrepreneurial group is looking for an Account Director to join the team and help us with our growing list of clients in healthcare. To be successful, you’ll need to bond with clients and carry cross-channel marketing programs to fruition. The drive to deliver excellent work and client service, centered on great relationships, is at the core of Ascender's business.

Account Director

The Account Director is a strategic leader responsible for managing key pharmaceutical client relationships and driving the successful planning and execution of digital marketing initiatives. This role leads team members ensuring alignment with client business objectives, regulatory standards, and internal processes. The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator, digital strategist, and team collaborator with deep understanding of pharmaceutical marketing and multichannel campaign execution.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Build and sustain strong relationships with brand teams and key stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor by ensuring alignment between client business goals and agency deliverables.
• Communicate regularly with clients to monitor satisfaction, provide updates, and manage expectations.

Strategic Planning & Consultation

• Lead the development of brand strategies, with support of Client Partner, across digital channels including websites, HCP portals, email, social media, and paid media.
• Translate client objectives into actionable digital marketing plans.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on evolving market conditions, regulatory changes, and digital innovations.
• Participate in high-level planning discussions and proactively identify risks and opportunities.

Project Oversight & Execution

• Oversee the execution of integrated marketing campaigns from initiation to completion.
• Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and budgets to ensure efficient delivery.
• Collaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams (creative, UX, development, analytics, medical/legal) to align on execution.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and performance reviews.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage scopes of work (SOWs), budgets, and forecasts.
• Track and ensure account profitability while identifying opportunities for organic growth.
• Negotiate and manage change orders in collaboration with clients and internal teams.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor junior account team members including Account Managers and Coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages cross-departmental synergy and accountability.
• Resolve conflicts and ensure smooth communication between clients and internal teams.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Oversee and actively support all projects through the MLR (Medical/Legal/Regulatory) review process.
• Ensure all marketing materials comply with FDA regulations and pharmaceutical industry standards.

New Business & Growth Support

• Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing accounts.
• Support new business development through pitch participation and proposal writing.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Monitor, analyze, and report on campaign performance metrics.
• Provide data-driven insights to optimize campaign effectiveness and client ROI

Experience you’ll bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business, marketing, or communications
• 5+ years of experience with a pharmaceutical advertising agency or medical communications firm with direct client/brand account management
• Experience with Veeva Promo Mats

Qualities you'll need to succeed in this role

• Omni-channel marketing experience
• Strong analytical skills, commitment to a client, and proven ability to manage
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication/presentation skills
• Fundamental understanding of web development and social platforms
• Smart, friendly, energetic personality
• Desire to produce high-quality work
• Strong aesthetic eye for good design and usability
• Eagle eye attention to detail

More reasons to consider Ascender

• 10+ paid holidays
• 10 days paid vacation time
• 7 personal/sick days
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance and Disability coverage
• Annual stipend for professional development
• 401(k) plan + match
• Hybrid schedule (3 days per week in Edison, NJ)