Healthcare

New York – December 6, 2011 – Cohn & Wolfe (www.cohnwolfe.com), a leading global communications agency, today announced the appointment of Olga Fleming as Executive Vice President, Managing Director, NY Healthcare Practice.  She will immediately assume a leadership role on select clients, develop digital strategies to support client activities, help mentor and develop talent and drive marketing and thought leadership programs across the US.  She is based in New York and reports to Donna Imperato, Chief Executive Officer.

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA), which oversees the self-regulatory code of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), issued informal guidance earlier this week for the pharmaceutical industry on using online communications. 

Job Summary:

Partners with Client(s) representatives in carrying out the Client’s business and communications goals; provides counsel and assistance. Manages day-to-day aspects of the account relationship.
 
Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops and fosters relationships with the Client(s) and external audiences.
• Researches, designs, develops, implements, and manages routine Client projects.
• Oversees day-to-day planning of major events.
• Handles media inquiries.
• Reviews materials (e.g. pitch letters, news releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, bios, newsletters) prepared by more junior staff.
• Develops materials on complex issues (e.g. Q&A, speeches, collateral materials).
• Develops, pitches and places positive stories by and about the Client(s) in business, trade and consumer media, when appropriate.
• Maintains steady and positive Client presence in trade media through releases, contact and responsiveness to inquiries/requests.
• Maintains clear and consistent communication between the Client(s) and account team.
• Partners with Client(s) and other communications firms (e. g. ad agencies) to develop communications plan.
• Contributes to program development for the Client(s) and new business proposals.
• Handles in-account administration duties such as billing and activity reports.

Decision-making Authority:

Works under general supervision, and exercises moderate discretion and judgment regarding both routine and unfamiliar assignments and issues.
 
May be responsible for giving day-to-day direction to more junior staff.
 
Internal and External Communications:

A Senior Account Executive typically works with and/or oversees work of junior account staff members, internal service departments, external vendors, news media, and other Ad/PR agencies on behalf of the Client(s).
 
Skills Required:

• Strong verbal, writing and editing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Ability to write strategic materials for Client(s).
• Ability to generate ideas and think creatively.
• Ability to supervise the work of junior account staff.
• Ability to supervise and work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management.
• Ability to interact with Clients on both routine and crisis issues.
• Ability to think strategically in addition to tactically.
• Proficiency in developing and delivering business presentations.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Proficiency in computer software.

Professional Background and Experience:

• Usually 3-4 years work experience in public relations or related field.
• Has begun to develop industry-specific knowledge.
• Proficient understanding of field of public relations.
• Detailed knowledge of media relations from key trade publications to national outlets.
• Working knowledge of Cohn & Wolfe’s resources, culture, and system, and resources within Y&R/WPP network.
• College degree or equivalent work experience.