Director, Program & Alliance Management

The role:

The Director, Program & Alliance Management, will be highly impactful, with responsibility for overseeing the planning and execution of wholly owned and partnered drug development programs. Reporting into the Executive Director of Program Leadership & Management, this individual will play a pivotal role in providing operational leadership to cross-functional teams and will help establish and define a best-in-class program and alliance management function. 

The successful candidate will have in-depth expertise across different phases of drug development (preclinical & clinical) and bring a solutions-oriented mindset within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities:

Program & Alliance Management  

• Provide best-in-class program management in support of Dispatch internal and partnered programs; plan and drive key cross-functional & clinical development forums, deliverables, and communications for assigned programs (meeting management, minutes, milestones, risk registers, etc.) 
• Partner with Program Team Lead and Clinical Development leadership to drive Asset Team and Joint Collaboration Team execution ensuring delivery of predefined goals 
• Develop and manage integrated project plans and timelines across all drug development stages, including preclinical, clinical operations, manufacturing, regulatory, etc. 
• In collaboration with Alliance leads, drive strategic and operational plans and develop solutions for effective alliance operations 
• Proactively identify, track, mitigate, and communicate overall program/alliance risks to key stakeholders and senior leadership 
• Conduct scenario planning, identify potential acceleration opportunities and ensure timely attainment of project milestones and program delivery
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs and functional leads to ensure planning and execution of high-quality health authority interactions and submissions as needed
• Provide PM support for emerging portfolio & business development deliverables as needed 

 Operational Excellence & Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of program management frameworks, tools, and templates 
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment across internal and external stakeholders
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior team members on PM best practices 
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and other stakeholders on program progress, challenges, and opportunities

Required experience & skills: 

• BS, MS, PhD, PharmD, MD or equivalent in a scientific, engineering, or medicine-related discipline 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with meaningful experience in program and alliance management. 
• Exceptional organizational, communication, EQ, and interpersonal skills including working with partners across geographies and cultures 
• Expert proficiency in project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project) and project/program management best practices
• Detailed understanding of drug development processes, including preclinical, clinical, CMC, and regulatory pathways 
• Proven track record of managing complex programs and/or partnerships in a fast-paced environment. 
• Agile, positive attitude, and ability to influence without authority 

Preferred experience & skills:

• Experience in cell therapy, oncology, or related therapeutic areas is strongly preferred.
• Background in startup or development-stage biotechnology companies.
• PMP certification or equivalent is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead matrixed teams and influence team members, including senior leaders.