Position Overview
The Director, Program Management (PM) will play a vital role in a high-performing cross-functional Program Team. The PM is responsible for a wide range of activities, including facilitating and driving execution across the drug development lifecycle. Working in partnership with the Program Team Leader (PTL) and functional experts, the PM is responsible for developing a fully-integrated program plan supported by functional plans to deliver the strategic objectives of the program. The PM drives team execution to deliver program goals. Proposing and evaluating options to balance the key priorities of quality, speed, and cost, the PM encourages robust dialog within the team and facilitates arriving at team decisions. Clear and effective communication within the team and with company leadership is a key responsibility of the PM, working in concert with the PTL. The PM is solutions-oriented and comfortable operating amid ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. With the PTL, the PM frames and facilitates effective discussions to achieve alignment and data-driven decision-making. The PM builds durable, trust-based relationships with team members and stakeholders across the organization and effectively manages with influence.
Responsibilities
- Lead the operations of one or more highly motivated cross-functional Program Team, with focus on both the tangible aspects such as priorities, goal achievement, and resources, and the critical soft skills of maintaining a challenging, collaborative, and sustainable team environment
- Partner with the PTL to identify near, mid, and long-term team priorities and propose path to address, including facilitation of appropriate strategic decision-making
- Adhere to best practices for clear and open communication with Program Team, Crescent Senior Leadership, and other stakeholders regarding program status, priorities, risks/mitigations, and needs
- Drive execution of the established program vision and strategy, maintaining an emphasis on quality, speed, and cost
- Facilitate creation & maintenance of core program strategy documents such as the Target Product Profile (TPP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), and Regulatory Strategy in collaboration with cross-functional representatives and in alignment with the overall program strategy
- Support functional strategic and annual planning with up-to-date and fit-for-purpose materials to inform functional leaders and team representatives
- Responsible for creation and maintenance of detailed cross-functional plans and integrated program plans and visualizations
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the rapidly evolving PD(L)-1/VEGF bispecific and ADC competitive landscape
- Drives the development and maintenance of the program-level budget and long-range plan, working in close collaboration with Finance and the cross-functional team
- Provides alliance management support for the program, if applicable
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in science or related field; advanced degree in a scientific discipline or MBA preferred
- 10+ years of relevant experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry in positions of increasing responsibility in drug development
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of programs (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), Smartsheet, and other communication and PM tools
- Understanding of current and evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence tools including limitations
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Outstanding communication skills (verbal, written, oral); able to communicate clearly, openly, and consistently in a timely manner in a transparent environment
- Experienced in building and maintaining program-level budgets and long-range plans
- Expert at cross-functional teamwork; able to influence across all levels of the organization without direct authority
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities.
- Works with a sense of urgency and able to prioritize across multiple team deliverables and workstreams
- Results-driven with demonstrated experience in working with highly effective teams
- Drives effective discussions and invites productive discourse; ability to guide teams and organizations in making complex, data-driven decisions
- Proven ability to establish and maintain trust-based relationships with team members and stakeholders
- Team player with emphasis on collective achievement while maintaining an individual sense of responsibility and accountability for teamwork and product
- Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in science or a related field
- 10+ years of relevant experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with increasing responsibility in drug development
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams
- Proficiency with Smartsheet and other communication and program management tools
- Understanding of current and evolving artificial intelligence tools and their limitations
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Experience building and maintaining program-level budgets and long-range plans
- Expertise in cross-functional teamwork and influencing without direct authority
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Experience leading effective teams and facilitating complex, data-driven decisions
- Ability to establish and maintain trust-based stakeholder relationships
- Advanced degree in a scientific discipline or MBA
What We Do
Crescent Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing the next wave of transformative therapies for cancer patients. The company focuses on developing high-impact cancer medicines, including its lead program, CR-001 (a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody), and a portfolio of novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to treat a range of solid tumors.
