Vice President, Program Leader, Clinical Stage Programs

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is looking for an Executive Director, Program Lead in Lexington, MA. This leadership role involves overseeing a high-priority development program, ensuring strategic alignment and execution across teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong biopharma background, at least 10 years of experience, and an advanced degree. Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, managing risks, and driving program outcomes. The position offers a competitive salary in the range of $300,000 - $330,000 USD, with a commitment to ethics and compliance.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in the biopharma industry, with proven leadership.
• Understanding of drug development complexities from early stages through to commercialization.
• Expert proficiency in project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire global program teams to advance innovative product candidates.
• Collaborate with leaders to drive integrated development and program plans.
• Identify and manage program risks proactively to keep programs on track.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

BA/BS in scientific or business discipline

Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, MBA)

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders. At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most.

We are seeking a highly energetic and motivated individual who seeks to lead from the front and is driven to make a lasting impact. The Executive Director, Program Lead, will be at the helm of a high‑priority development program, driving asset level cross‑functional strategic alignment and execution with precision and passion. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who knows the ins and outs from drug development through to marketing authorization, and thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate is able to manage and lead a program through working with and bringing together cross‑functional colleagues with varying levels of seniority. If you’re a bold thinker, a natural connector, and a hands‑on driver of results, this is your chance to lead the acceleration of transformative therapies to patients who need them most.

This role is based in our Lexington, MA office and requires employees to be onsite five days per week and will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to)

• Lead with Purpose: Establish, inspire, and champion global program teams and sub teams to advance Kiniksa’s innovative product candidates, while fostering a sense of urgency.
• Strategic Execution: Collaborate with functional leaders to build and drive integrated development and program plans with clear milestones, critical paths, and cross‑functional dependencies.
• Own the Outcome: Proactively identify and manage program risks through scenario planning and mitigation strategies, delivering solutions that keep programs on track with exceptional attention to detail.
• Influence at Every Level: Cultivate strong relationships with senior and functional leaders to align program operations with company objectives, proactively navigating risks and challenges.
• Drive Transparency: Work with colleagues to develop and maintain crisp dashboards and reporting tools that communicate program progress across all levels. This role will carry responsibilities of presenting to Executive Leadership, where concise and clear presentations, while understanding the detail, will be required.
• Operational Excellence: Facilitate high‑impact team meetings with clear agendas, actionable outcomes, and follow‑through completion.
• Financial Partnership: Collaborate with finance and functional leads to shape and refine program budgets and assumptions throughout forecasting cycles.

Standout Skills For Impact

• You thrive in seeking clarity and moving quickly. You’re a self‑starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who adapts easily and drives results in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• You know how to effectively lead cross‑functional teams to drive alignment, and influence without authority to deliver results.
• You build strong relationships across the organization and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture while executing with precision, bringing an analytical mindset and a deep understanding of biopharma business dynamics.
• You’re a confident communicator—both written and verbal—and you know how to tailor your message to different audiences, from team members to executives.

Qualifications And Experience

• Strong foundation in the biopharma industry, with at least 10 years of experience and a proven track record of leadership. A BA/BS in a scientific or business discipline is required, and an advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, MBA) is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and appreciation for, the complexities of drug development from early stages through registration, including navigating regulatory pathways, with an eye on commercialization.
• Working knowledge of GxP environments, including the quality and regulatory standards that guide the pharmaceutical industry.
• Expert proficiency in project management tools like Smartsheet and the Microsoft Office suite, to keep programs on track, to keep the team aligned, and to communicate status to key stakeholders.
• Commitment to the highest standards of compliance and ethics, bringing that same level of integrity to everything you do.

Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.

Pay Range: $300,000 - $330,000 USD

Kiniksa is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or any other legally protected category. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Kiniksa does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will be considered property of Kiniksa, and no fees will be paid.