Director Healthcare Communications

Director

Ready to lead strategic healthcare communications programs that influence change and improve lives? Join AXON as a Director and help shape client partnerships, inspire teams, and deliver work that makes a real impact.

Team – Clinical Studies

Location - Toronto (Hybrid working - 3 days a week in office)

AXON 

AXON is a global healthcare communications agency that ignites change in healthcare. Through the power of life-changing communications, we contribute to medical advances that improve lives. At the core of every scientific innovation and advancement, there is a simple and compelling story to be told. We know how to tell that story, how to use the right tools to reach the right audiences at the right time, to provoke meaningful change.

We specialize in advising clients on medical affairs, clinical studies, real-world evidence, marketing, advocacy, and communications, all underpinned by insights and creative strategy.

AXON has an international reach, with offices in Copenhagen, London, New York, and Toronto, and a worldwide affiliate network. Established in 2002, we have a deep heritage and expertise in healthcare strategy and communication, and we continue to learn and grow in the fast-changing healthcare sphere. AXON is proudly an AVENIR GLOBAL company.

Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Director to join our leadership team.

As a Director at AXON, you will play a critical leadership role within both the business and the wider organization. As an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic direction for clients, teams and the practice while helping shape the future growth of the business.

You will act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, leading complex healthcare communications programs, driving business growth, and ensuring the highest standards of strategic consultancy and client service excellence. Alongside client leadership, you will be responsible for developing talent, contributing to operational leadership, and collaborating across AXON and the wider AVENIR GLOBAL network to deliver innovative solutions for clients.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader who combines deep healthcare communications expertise with commercial acumen, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a passion for developing people and growing businesses.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Accountability

• Lead and grow a portfolio of client accounts, acting as the senior strategic lead and trusted advisor
• Drive account performance against revenue and profitability targets
• Shape the strategic direction of client programs and contribute to the wider strategic direction of the practice
• Provide leadership across account teams, ensuring client needs remain at the center of all solutions and delivery
• Review project scopes and programs, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency and enhanced client value
• Lead by example, championing AXON’s culture, values and operational excellence
• Collaborate with senior leaders across the business to support growth initiatives and organizational objectives

Client Services & Business Development

• Build and strengthen long-term relationships with senior client stakeholders across multiple accounts
• Deliver strategic consultancy informed by a deep understanding of client businesses, market dynamics and the healthcare landscape
• Anticipate client needs and proactively identify innovative solutions and opportunities for growth
• Lead strategic account planning, client expansion initiatives and partnership discussions
• Drive collaboration across AXON practices and the AVENIR GLOBAL network to deliver integrated client solutions
• Support and lead business development opportunities, proposals and new business pitches
• Act as a trusted advisor, managing complex client challenges with confidence and strategic insight

Project & Financial Management

• Oversee complex programs and portfolios, ensuring delivery excellence across multiple workstreams
• Lead account forecasting, budgeting, resource planning and profitability management
• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, strategically and in line with client expectations
• Drive operational best practices and adherence to AXON processes and quality standards
• Support teams in identifying risks, resolving challenges and implementing solutions proactively
• Monitor financial performance across accounts and identify opportunities to optimize efficiency and growth
• Contribute to billability, utilization and operational performance across the business

People Leadership

• Inspire, mentor and develop high-performing teams across the practice
• Coach team members and leaders to strengthen strategic thinking, consultancy skills and client delivery excellence
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and positive team culture
• Support talent development by identifying growth opportunities and succession planning needs
• Build strong partnerships across the business to deliver practice priorities and organizational goals
• Share knowledge, expertise and industry insights to support continuous learning and development
• Create an environment where innovation, accountability and professional growth can thrive

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience within healthcare communications, medical communications, healthcare PR, pharmaceutical consultancy or a related agency environment
• Proven experience leading large, complex client accounts and strategic communications programs
• Demonstrated success in building and growing senior-level client relationships
• Strong commercial acumen, including responsibility for revenue growth, forecasting, budgeting and profitability
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing high-performing talent
• Exceptional strategic consultancy and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding presentation, communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proven experience contributing to business development, client expansion and new business growth
• Strong understanding of the healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences landscape
• Ability to influence, inspire and lead across multiple teams and stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience serving as part of a senior management or leadership team
• Experience leading international or multi-market healthcare communications programs
• Knowledge of medical affairs, scientific communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, real-world evidence or healthcare marketing programs
• Experience working across integrated communications disciplines and agency networks

At AXON, we actively encourage the team to be involved in activities outside of their day-to-day work. Whether that is being involved in our social, Diversity & Inclusion, or CSR electives, attending networking events, or running training sessions on topics in which they have a personal interest. We have a keen focus on training and development and, as a rough guide, suggest employees aim to complete 37.5 hours of learning a year through online learning, classroom training, or attending external events; that’s 1 week a year dedicated to your development.

AI Culture & Expectations

At AXON, we harness AI not to replace what makes us exceptional, but to elevate it. AI expands our reach, sharpens our insights, and accelerates discovery; but it is our people – curious, responsible, authentic, forward-looking and transparent – who turn that potential into meaningful impact.

We are looking for candidates who are curious, adaptable and enthusiastic about embracing AI and emerging technologies as part of their everyday working practices.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a growth mindset around AI and emerging technologies, shown through an openness to learning new tools, experimenting with innovative ways of working, and using AI responsibly and transparently.

Whether your background is technical or non-technical, we value individuals who demonstrate digital confidence and a willingness to evolve alongside rapidly changing technologies.

Benefits

As well as the basic salary, great social events, and a culture of continual learning, our competitive benefits package includes:

• Competitive annual vacation allowance.
• Private medical insurance (for you and your family).
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Emergency Travel insurance (for you and your family).
• Discretionary Exceptional Performance Bonus Plan.
• An annual “wellness” benefit
• Paid sabbaticals after 5 years’ service.

Expected Compensation

The expected salary for this role is $110,600.00 - $130,000.00 CAD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and fit for the role. If you’re up for a new challenge we’d love to hear from you.

AXON is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any accommodation during the selection process, please inform us.

A vacancy currently exists for this position. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We use artificial intelligence tools to assist in screening, assessing, and selecting applicants for this role. Thank you for considering a career with us.