Associate Director/Director, Program & Alliance Management

About Us:

We are a startup biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel cell therapies to cure cancers. The company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Andy Minn (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (UCSF), and Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University). We are using viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology to enhance CAR T activity in solid tumors. Our therapeutic approach has potential to be used across multiple tumor types, enabling us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients.

At our company, you would become one of our early team members where you would help to engineer a universal treatment across solid tumors, be a vital part of building our culture, and help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success. Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole. And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free.

The Role:

Reporting into the Executive Director, Program Leadership & Management and located in either Philadelphia, PA or San Francisco, CA, the Associate Director/Director, Program and Alliance Management, will be a highly impactful role, responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of internal and partnered development programs. This individual will play a pivotal role, providing operational leadership to cross-functional teams, managing external partnerships, and driving programs toward achievement of key milestones.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Alliance Management

• Provide best-in-class program management in support of internal and partnered programs; plan and drive key cross-functional meetings, deliverables, and communications for assigned programs (meeting management, minutes, milestones, risk registers, etc.).
• In collaboration with Program/Alliance lead, oversee cross-functional program execution in alignment with Asset Team and corporate goals.
• Establish and shape best-in-class PMO capabilities to support our continued growth and transition to a development stage company
• Develop and manage integrated project plans and timelines across all drug development stages and related functions, including preclinical, clinical, clinical operations, manufacturing, regulatory, etc.
• In collaboration with Program/Alliance lead, drive strategic and operational alliance plans and develop solutions for effective alliance operations.
• As necessary, facilitate joint governance meetings, track progress against milestones, and manage communication channels.
• 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 Finance and the Asset Team to establish, allocate, and monitor program-related budgets and resourcing plans; ensure programs are adequately resourced and financed.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs and functional leads to ensure planning and execution of high-quality health authority interactions and submissions.
• Provide program management support for emerging business development deliverables as necessary.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment across internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive efficient decision-making by synthesizing complex information and facilitating cross-functional discussions.
• 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
• At least 10 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 2 years of meaningful experience in program and alliance management
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven track record of managing complex programs and/or partnerships in a fast-paced environment.
• Detailed understanding of drug development processes, including preclinical, clinical, CMC, and regulatory pathways
• Demonstrated ability to lead matrixed teams and influence team members, including senior leaders
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, AirTable, Smartsheets, or equivalent).
• Strategic acumen, agility, positive attitude and a solutions-oriented mindset within a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Experience in cell therapy, oncology, or related therapeutic areas strongly preferred
• Background in startup or development-stage biotechnology companies
• PMP, CA-AM certification or equivalent is a plus

What we Value:

At our company, we hire for values first, followed by capabilities and skills. Our values guide everything we do…

Determined to Deliver:

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.

Own Every Outcome:

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.

Collaboration at the Core:

When we band together, our work is better.

Feedback is Fundamental:

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.

Working Here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, dental
• 401(k) with generous contribution
• Life insurance
• Flexible PTO policy
• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to inclusion and diversity, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, color, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.