Director/Sr. Director, Program Management

Characterbio; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 205,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

A precision medicine company is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Program Management to manage cross-functional teams from discovery through commercialization. The successful candidate will require expertise in drug development, strong communication skills, and the ability to oversee complex program plans and budgets. With a competitive salary range of $205,000 to $280,000, plus equity, this role offers great opportunities for growth and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years (Director) to 10 years (Sr. Director) experience in drug development.
• Success in advancing programs from early‑phase milestones through late‑stage execution.
• Specialized experience in Ophthalmology/retina preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Team and functional heads to maintain integrated program plans.
• Drive the development of comprehensive program plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Lead cross‑functional Project Teams, fostering collaboration and urgency.

Skills

Life sciences knowledge

Drug development experience

Program management

Critical path methodology

Exceptional communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

BA or BS in life sciences

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Job description

About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team spans human genetics, clinical science, data science and engineering, and drug discovery and development. We are advancing two programs for Dry Age‑related Macular Degeneration (AMD) into the clinic, with additional discovery‑stage programs underway.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co‑led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Innovation Endeavors, Sanofi Ventures, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi‑target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

Reports to: VP, Clinical Science

Department: Clinical Development

Location

Hybrid, Remote

The Opportunity

The Director/Senior Director of Program Management will bridge the gap between high‑level strategy and technical execution, helping to lead cross‑functional teams from discovery through commercialization. This role requires a seasoned leader who thrives in the "gray area" of drug development, turning ambiguity into actionable, integrated plans. The successful candidate demonstrates outstanding influencing and communication skills and has a solution‑oriented mindset to move programs forward with a sense of urgency.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Team and functional heads to establish and maintain integrated program plans, identifying and managing critical paths to value‑creating milestones
• Develop and track comprehensive program timelines and budget
• Drive the development and implementation of comprehensive program plans, goals, budgets, and timelines. Ensure every functional area is aligned and held accountable.
• Partner with Finance, functional heads, and Project Team to forecast a program budget and resource needs.
• Ensure alignment of program strategy/plan/execution with management expectations and priorities
• Lead the development of scenarios and recommendations for decision‑making at various governance bodies
• Strengthen and lead cross‑functional Project Teams, fostering a culture of open collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of urgency. Facilitate a cross‑functional meeting to identify and resolve a critical path bottleneck in a clinical trial or program.
• Leverage deep industry knowledge to identify potential program risks early. Collaborate with the Project Team to develop robust contingency plans to ensure value‑creating milestones are met.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication – you must be adept at framing nuanced context, capturing the rationale for decisions, and tailoring messages for diverse audiences.

Skills and Qualifications

• BA or BS in life sciences required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8 years (Director) to 10 years (Sr. Director) of industry experience in drug development and program/portfolio management. Candidates must demonstrate success in advancing programs from early‑phase milestones through late‑stage execution, with specialized experience in Ophthalmology/retina preferred
• Expert‑level proficiency in developing and maintaining integrated Gantt timelines (via MS Project). Must demonstrate a deep understanding of critical path methodology and the technical interdependencies between Toxicology, CMC, Clinical Ops, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and cultivating effective cross‑functional collaborations
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and rapidly gather, assimilate, and disseminate information on critical project components and milestones
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with a track record of effective engagement with executive management
• Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification preferred

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full‑time position is:

Director: $205,000/yr–$250,000/yr

Senior Director: $240,000/yr–$280,000/yr

+ equity + benefits

This salary range represents the expected base compensation for this role and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, and level.

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), an accrued paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.

EEO Statement

Character Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.