Director, Clinical Business Operations

Rapport Therapeutics; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Lifestyle spending account

Commuting reimbursement

Job summary

Rapport Therapeutics in Boston is looking for a leader in Clinical Operations to manage the business operations function. This hybrid role involves overseeing budgets, vendor relationships, and operational support to enhance clinical programs.

With 12+ years in biotechnology, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to enhance operational excellence, you will partner across teams to improve patient therapy delivery.

Competitive compensation ranging from $230,000 to $255,000 is offered, alongside an engaging work environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in biotechnology or clinical research.
• Strong understanding of clinical vendor contracting.
• Experience in portfolio governance and resource planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgets and financial planning for Clinical Operations.
• Manage vendor contracts and negotiations.
• Develop and monitor financial reporting across the clinical portfolio.

Skills

Leadership

Financial planning

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Business

Job description

When our people share why they joined Rapport and love it here, it comes down to three things: the science, the mission, and the team. At Rapport, we’re driven by a passion for developing precision neuromedicines with the potential for fewer side effects, enabling patients and their families to enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives. And we’re doing this with extraordinary science and awesome people (affectionately called Rapptors).

Our innovative scientific platform is centered on Receptor Associate Proteins (RAPs). RAPs are a component of neuronal receptor complexes, which play a crucial role in regulating receptor assembly and function. This precision approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of small molecule therapies. We are excited about the potential of our lead program, RAP-219. Our first indication targets focal epilepsy with additional clinical trials for neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder.

The strength of Rapport comes from our Rapptors – who are united by our mission to improve patients lives. We bring the heart and hustle to advance our science forward, always staying true to our core values. We hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as we are!

This role is based in Boston, MA with onsite presence required Monday-Wednesday.

Your Impact

Behind every successful clinical trial is a strong business foundation. In this role, you'll build and lead that foundation by overseeing budgets, financial planning, vendor partnerships, contracts, and portfolio operations that enable our clinical programs to thrive. You'll partner across the organization to turn strategy into action, develop scalable ways of working, and ensure our teams have the resources, insights, and operational support they need to bring innovative therapies to patients.

Your Day-to-day

• Lead the business operations function for Clinical Operations, providing strategic oversight of budgets, forecasting, contracts, vendor management, resource planning, and portfolio governance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor Clinical Operations budgets and forecasts, ensuring accurate financial planning, accruals, spend tracking, and reporting across the clinical portfolio.
• Oversee the review, negotiation, execution, and management of vendor contracts, statements of work, change orders, and consulting agreements in partnership with Legal, Procurement, Finance, and Clinical Operations.
• Establish and maintain portfolio-level reporting, operational dashboards, metrics, and governance processes to support decision-making and provide visibility into program performance, resource utilization, and financial health.
• Partner with Clinical Operations leadership to evaluate business risks, operational priorities, and resource needs, driving proactive solutions to support portfolio objectives.
• Lead vendor governance activities, monitor performance and budget adherence, and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across external partnerships.
• Develop and implement scalable business processes, tools, and operating models that enhance operational excellence, consistency, and compliance across Clinical Operations.
• Support annual operating plans, long-range forecasting, and strategic planning initiatives by providing financial and operational insights to senior leadership.
• Ensure operational and financial activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and inspection-readiness expectations.
• Serve as a trusted business partner across Clinical Operations, Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Clinical Development, fostering cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or clinical research organizations with progressive responsibility in Clinical Operations, business operations, finance, or vendor management.
• Demonstrated experience managing clinical budgets, forecasting, accruals, and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of clinical vendor contracting, statement of work development, and contract negotiations.
• Experience supporting portfolio governance, resource planning, and operational reporting within Clinical Development or Clinical Operations.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Clinical Operations stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.

What Makes Rapport Special

• Every role has meaning. We’re determined to discover a better way for patients, and you’ll feel the passion from the start.
• We are driven to innovate. Exciting science that pushes boundaries and opens new possibilities.
• Your perspective matters. Stick your neck out, share your ideas – we work as a team.
• We have FUN. We hire smart, dedicated, down-to-earth people that you’ll enjoy spending time with.
• Leadership that CARES – about you, your growth + development.
• We're bicoastal. Whether you're in the lab full-time in San Diego or taking advantage of a more hybrid work schedule in Boston – we make the most of our time together.
• Competitive benefits. Including unlimited PTO, a lifestyle spending account, commuting reimbursement, and much more!
• You get to be YOU! Show up as you are and make every day count.

Your Compensation

We get it. Compensation is an important part of your offer. You shouldn’t be surprised at the end of the recruiting process, and you should know that your offer is fair and equitable. We tell you about our hiring range now - we expect the hiring range for the role to be $230,000 to $255,000. Our actual offer will reflect a lot of factors including your relevant skills, experience, location, salary market data, and internal equity. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer a pretty great benefits package. We don’t stop here - if you join Rapport, we go to the next level. We share our full salary ranges for every level across our company.

Hybrid Work Environment

We prioritize in person connection with our fellow Rapptors! Our team members come together onsite at our Boston office Monday-Wednesday to create more opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and connection.

Rapport Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.