Director, Program Management

Crescent Biopharma; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonus and equity

100% employer-paid benefits

Flexible PTO

Two company shutdowns each year

Professional development

Job summary

Crescent Biopharma is seeking a Director of Program Management to lead cross-functional teams and drive drug development programs from concept to execution. The role emphasizes strategic planning, budget oversight, and clear communication with leadership in a fast-paced biotech setting.

The successful candidate will balance quality, speed, and cost while collaborating with PTL, functional experts, and stakeholders to meet program objectives and milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science required or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of biotech/pharma experience in drug development.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), Smartsheet, and PM tools.
• Understanding of AI tools capabilities and limitations.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication skills; clear, open, timely communication in a transparent environment.
• Experienced in building and maintaining program-level budgets and long-range plans.
• Ability to influence across all levels without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of one or more cross-functional Program Teams, balancing priorities, resources, and team dynamics.
• Partner with the PTL to identify near-, mid-, and long-term priorities and enable strategic decision-making.
• Communicate program status, priorities, risks/mitigations, and needs to Crescent leadership and stakeholders.
• Drive execution of the program vision focusing on quality, speed, and cost.
• Facilitate creation and maintenance of core program documents (TPP, CDP, Regulatory Strategy).
• Support functional and annual planning with up-to-date materials for functional leaders and teams.
• Create and maintain detailed cross-functional and integrated program plans/visualizations.
• Stay informed on the PD-L1/VEGF bispecific and ADC landscape; monitor competitive activity.
• Develop and maintain the program-level budget and long-range plan with Finance.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Influence without authority

Budgeting

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Smartsheet

PM tools

Job description

Position Overview

Crescent Biopharma’s vision is to build a world leading oncology company bringing the next wave of therapies for cancer patients. The Company’s clinical-stage pipeline includes its lead program, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, as well as novel antibody-drug conjugates. By leveraging multiple modalities and established targets, Crescent aims to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies as single agents and as part of combination regimens to treat a range of solid tumors. For more information, visitwww.crescentbiopharma.comand follow the Company onLinkedInandX.

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

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a mission-driven team where you'll contribute to impactful work, take on varied responsibilities, and grow quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Competitive compensation, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity.
• 100% employer-paid benefits package.
• Flexible PTO.
• Two, one-week company-wide shutdowns each year.
• A commitment to your professional development, with access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $230,000 to $245,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s savings plan (401(k)). This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program. Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation – Unlimited PTO; Sick time – 10 days per calendar year; Holiday pay, including two Company shut downs; Parental Leave – 16 weeks within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child; FMLA; Military Leave. Additional information can be found - https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/careers/#benefits

Please note:

Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Please note, Crescent does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies or recruiters. Submission of a resume without a prior written agreement does not create any express or implied contract between Crescent and the agency. Crescent will not pay any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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