Director/Senior Director, Human Resources

Position Purpose:

The Director (or Senior Director), Human Resources will serve as the strategic HR business partner to Stoke’s growing Commercial and Medical Affairs organizations as the company builds toward launch readiness and future market expansion. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role will provide leadership, strategic partnership, and hands-on support across all aspects of the people agenda for these functions, including Sales, Marketing, Market Access, Field Operations, and Medical Affairs.

This leader will partner closely with senior leaders across the organization—including the Chief Patient Officer, SVP of Medical Affairs, and other members of the executive and functional leadership teams—to shape and implement the people strategy that enables Stoke’s success in transforming the lives of people with genetic diseases. The Director/Senior Director will play a pivotal role in building organizational capability, evolving field-based compensation and rewards practices, strengthening talent pipelines, and fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and collaboration. While the primary focus will be on the North America-based Commercial and Medical Affairs organizations, this role will also serve as the key HR liaison to Stoke’s external partners supporting ex-U.S. regions and may flex to support other functions as business needs evolve.

The ideal candidate brings deep HRBP experience in biotech commercial and medical organizations, strong business acumen, exceptional project management skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to develop clear, compelling PowerPoint materials for leadership discussions, and a track record of building from the ground up in high-growth, mission-driven organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as strategic HR business partner to the U.S. Commercial and Medical Affairs leadership teams, providing counsel on organization design, leadership development, workforce planning, and capability build as Stoke prepares for launch.
• Partner with senior leaders to define and implement people strategies that accelerate commercial and medical readiness, ensure launch excellence, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to design and ongoing management of field-based compensation frameworks (led by comm ops), collaborating with Total Rewards, Finance, and Commercial Operations to ensure competitive, compliant, and performance-driving practices.
• Provide coaching and counsel to leaders at all levels on leadership effectiveness, organizational dynamics, and change management.
• Act as a project leader for key HR initiatives—applying strong project management discipline to design, lead, and implement scalable people practices (e.g., performance management, succession, leadership development, and talent planning).
• Leverage data and analytics to identify trends, anticipate business needs, and provide insights that drive decision-making related to talent, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build strong partnerships with HR team members to deliver integrated and impactful people solutions and programs aligned with business priorities.
• Serve as the HR liaison to Stoke’s global and ex-U.S. partners, ensuring alignment and collaboration on talent-related processes, practices, and communications.
• Champion progressive and innovative HR practices that enable Stoke’s culture of learning, transparency, and shared momentum.
• Lead and contribute to company-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment and connection across functions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and role model, exemplifying Stoke’s values and leadership expectations.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant HR Business Partner leadership supporting Commercial (Sales/Marketing/Access) and/or Medical Affairs functions in biotech or life sciences.
• Proven success supporting commercial and medical builds in the U.S., including design and implementation of field-based compensation structures.
• Experience leading organizational design, talent management, change management, and leadership development efforts in a high-growth or launch-phase environment.
• Exceptional business acumen and ability to build trust, credibility and influence with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated strength in project management—able to scope, plan, and execute cross-functional initiatives with precision and follow-through.
• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office tools; able to translate complex ideas and data into executive-ready presentations and visual materials.
• Strong analytical mindset and comfort using data to drive insights and decisions.
• Manage complex employee relations issues ensuring compliance with State and Federal laws and company policies; Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations, as needed.
• Collaborative team player who embodies Stoke’s culture of partnership, tenacity, and shared momentum.
• Progressive, creative, and open-minded approach to people practices, with a drive for learning and high-performance.

Location(s):

Stoke is located in Bedford, MA, and will be moving to a new location in Waltham, MA by the end of 2026. This position is a hybrid position currently based in Bedford and will later be based in Waltham.

Travel:

This position will require approximately 5% travel.

Compensation & Benefits:

At Stoke Therapeutics, we are committed to offering a comprehensive, competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards program.

The anticipated salary range for this role at the Director level is $208,000 - $242,00 and at the Senior Director level is $254,000 - $289,000. The final offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope, experience and qualifications, education, market benchmarks, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, Stoke offers an annual bonus and equity participation.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance; life, long- and short-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; a 401K plan with company match, unlimited vacation time, tuition assistance and participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).