Associate Director, Healthcare

The Associate Director, Healthcare, is a strategic account leader responsible for managing and growing client relationships within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. This role focuses on leading integrated scientific and corporate communications activities and multistakeholder and advocacy campaigns including content development, media relations, press office, events organization, stakeholder engagement and the creation and execution of communication plans for health clients. The Associate Director supervises project teams, ensures project excellence, and drives both organic and new business growth in the healthcare practice.

The role provides exposure to a wide range of high-profile Italian projects and international clients within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, with the chance to collaborate across global teams and it offers the opportunity to be part of a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team environment. 

APCO is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional development and which offers structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression.

Responsibilities 

• Independently manage healthcare/pharma client relationships effectively. 

• Actively network to identify new business prospects, manage proposal process ensuring quality of thinking, APCO’s work standards, and accurate scoping of work.

• Establish a strong network across APCO and engage in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and healthcare business opportunities.

• Confidently lead internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and strategic vision; establishing credibility by insights shared; encouraging and motivating others to communicate ideas. 

• Serve as the principal client contact for pharma/healthcare clients, knowing when to leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of effective project management, can effectively address issues, and make changes as necessary to improve account performance.

• Take ownership and actively engage in team member development; demonstrating thoughtful planning to increase individual skill sets by setting smart objectives. 

• Consistently demonstrate APCO’s values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors and clients.

 Qualifications 

• At least 9 years of experience in healthcare, strategic communications and advocacy campaigns including leading successful teams.

• Ability to work effectively with local (Italian) teams and international colleagues with a fluent level of English.

• Have proven knowledge of the Italian media landscape and relationships with Italian healthcare journalists (trade and lay media).

• In depth understanding of the pharmaceutical sector in Italy as well as the regulatory and compliance processes and implications to help clients communicate successfully and adhere to local regulations.

• Exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills, and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines.

• Solid project management experience, including overseeing a team and multiple deliverables, providing clear and concise feedback to maintain high standards.

• Demonstrated success formulating and leading strategic engagements with external stakeholders (KOLs, Patient Associations, Scientific Societies).

• Proven track record in developing and leading new business generation initiatives and driving successful organic growth.

What we offer

• A collaborative and international work environment, where you will engage with colleagues from around the globe.

• The opportunity to work on a diverse range of clients and projects.

• Robust professional development opportunities, including structured training programs and continuous learning initiatives.

• A well-rounded benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, meal vouchers, health insurance.

• An extended parental leave policy available to all employees from day one.

• A range of performance and recognition incentives, including an employee referral bonus, annual performance bonus, and anniversary bonus.

• A paid volunteering day each year through our APCO Gives Back initiative, allowing you to contribute to causes that matter to you.

• Access to our industry-leading global exchange program, offering international exposure and cross-cultural collaboration.

About APCO In Italy

APCO Italy has over 60 staff working across more than 100 clients and sits at the centre of the firm’s global operations. Thanks to a diverse and multilingual team, APCO Italy leads on many of the firm’s most dynamic global assignments. With a growing client base in the most pressing issues facing the world today, APCO has been a fixture of the Italian public affairs and communication’s market since 2000 and continues to be at the forefront of the seismic changes facing economies and societies today. 

We are a truly integrated firm, with deep expertise and experience across the full range of advisory offerings including corporate communications, public affairs, digital strategy and paid media.

Careers at APCO

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams to bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with