Director - Healthcare (Freelancer)

About Weber Shandwick MENAT

We are a leading full-service integrated communications and marketing services agency that delivers industry-defining work and next-generation solutions for brands, businesses, and organisations. In the Middle East, North Africa & Turkey (MENAT) region, we have a hyperconnected, award-winning network with a presence in 13 cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Kuwait, Doha, and Istanbul. Our team comprises social media experts, digital specialists, creatives, strategists, analysts, and PR professionals who believe in the power of collaboration to deliver high-value, high-impact communications and business solutions for our clients. By welcoming outstanding and diverse talent to our team, we complement our sector expertise with specialisms such as content, content production, creative design, creative technology, digital platforms, influencer marketing, integrated media, media relations, social strategy and engagement, strategic planning, and video production.

We were named the PRovoke Global Agency of the Decade (2020), PRWeek Global Best Agency in Middle East (2023, 2020), PRCA MENA Large Consultancy of the Year (2023, 2022, 2021), and PRCA MENA Digital Team of the Year (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020). We were also included on Ad Age's Agency A-List in 2024 and 2020, in addition to the top 10 of Great Place to Work UAE (2023).

What's happening

Join a highly creative multi-disciplined global communications agency for the amazing opportunity to work on some of the best brands in the world, draw on all the resources of a top global networked agency, and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.

Who do we need

To be successful in the role, you must have proven skills across planning, creative and strategic thinking, as well as the ability to manage accounts and account teams. You will be a strong leader with excellent writing and communications skills and an ability to translate client needs into project plans. You will also help develop and implement engagement campaigns for a variety of clients. Ideally, you should have agency/consulting or related experience with a background in healthcare or wellness PR. You must be adept at drawing upon previous sector experience to provide clients with knowledge and counsel - all complemented by your sector-specific client servicing skills and media relations with key journalists in both local and regional media.

What will you be doing

Team management - Provide daily leadership, direction, and guidance to the account team. Ensure a consistently high quality of work, effective team implementation of time-tracking and servicing levels, and identification of service improvement areas. Deliver comprehensive briefs to the team with clear guidelines and expectations. Monitor resources/servicing of each account, anticipate and communicate issues to other senior staff. Inspire and motivate team members to meet objectives by clearly outlining tasks and actions. Be approachable for team support, guidance, input, feedback, and ideas.

Role-modelling - Set an example for team members to follow by living the Weber Shandwick values and implementing our 'people first' culture. Act as an ambassador for Weber Shandwick and what we stand for at all times.

Portfolio management - Take responsibility for the profitability of your portfolio of accounts. Oversee invoicing, contracting, and reporting activities, in addition to other administrative tasks. Ensure effective management of consultant time on each client account. Generate revenue forecasts and track revenue and team capacity.

Line management and reportee development - Be a proactive mentor and approachable senior management team member. Be an effective line manager, carry out appraisal meetings and regular check-in meetings, and offer support and guidance on an ongoing basis. Share knowledge and expertise with reportees as a means of developing them. Offer effective and meaningful training and development ideas.

Client relations - Drive successful management of client accounts. Manage team performance and client service satisfaction. Develop and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with senior-level clients by providing high-level counsel. Demonstrate clear strategic thinking on every account. Lead on new ideas for media pitches and strategy planning for your client portfolio. Lead the account team with creative brainstorming ideation and implementation.

New business - Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the new business process from initial lead generation to securing revenue. Proactively drive the development of the company's client base, help identify potential new clients and organic growth opportunities. Co-lead on new business pitches, demonstrating the ability to construct a robust and logical argument, and be a proficient and convincing presenter. Develop detailed and accurate budgets.

Industry and market knowledge - Maintain deep knowledge of the clients' business, understand new market developments, and use them to the clients' advantage. Have a complete understanding of the range of communications techniques required to execute integrated communications programmes effectively.

What do you need to apply for this role

10+ years' experience in a reputed PR agency, preferably managing healthcare or wellness clients.

Well-rounded communication skills, proficiency in client servicing and media relations, as well as the ability to write a range of short and long-form content, including news releases, case studies, speeches, op-eds, features, key message documents, memos, and talking points.

Experience in managing colleagues and teams.

Experience with clients and accounts that are measurement- and evaluation-driven.

Strong presentation skills, poise, and professionalism.

Must be based in Abu Dhabi or willing to relocate/commute.

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