Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Development

Socket.dev; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 290,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity

100% employer-paid benefits package

Flexible PTO

Company shutdowns twice a year

Job summary

Crescent Biopharma seeks an experienced corporate development leader to build a comprehensive view of the solid tumor oncology landscape and translate scientific intelligence into clear portfolio priorities.

You will partner cross-functionally with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to evaluate assets, inform strategic decision-making, and prepare decision-oriented recommendations for the executive team and Board.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree strongly preferred — PhD and/or MD in a relevant discipline (oncology, immunology, molecular/cancer biology, pharmacology). Exceptional candidates with equivalent depth of expertise and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and critically evaluate the mechanisms of action for oncology therapeutics
• Minimum 12 years of experience in oncology portfolio strategy, competitive intelligence, business development, translational research, or a closely related function within biopharma.
• Hands-on fluency with clinical-trial, pipeline, and competitive-intelligence databases, and the ability to structure disparate sources into a coherent analytical framework.
• Proven ability to build structured frameworks (matrices, prioritization models) that turn complex scientific and competitive information into clear strategic recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate dense science into decisions for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders alike.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities; able to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Landscape intelligence: Build and continuously maintain a comprehensive view of existing and emerging therapies across solid tumor oncology, spanning approved agents, late- and early-stage clinical assets, and preclinical modalities.
• Portfolio matrix: Develop and own a matrix / portfolio view mapping our own therapies, partner therapies, and prospective in-licensing targets against tumor types, lines of therapy, mechanisms of action, and combination potential.
• Search & evaluation: Proactively search for, identify, and evaluate potential opportunities (research collaboration, in-licensing preclinical and clinical assets, platform technologies and research tools) that are consistent with external BD strategies for the advancement of Crescent's Oncology pipeline, and driving sustainable growth for the Company.Review external opportunities for scientific merit and feasibility.
• Prioritization & gap analysis: Identify and prioritize where partnering, collaboration, or asset in-licensing can complete or strengthen the portfolio and articulate the strategic case for each opportunity.
• Data sourcing: Source, validate, and synthesize intelligence from clinical, competitive, and commercial databases to support decision-making (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, primary literature).
• Cross-functional partnership: Partner closely with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to translate portfolio strategy into actionable prioritization and resource allocation.
• Executive communication: Prepare clear, decision-oriented materials for the executive team and Board that communicate portfolio positioning, trade-offs, and recommendations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

PhD or MD in oncology/related field

Tools

ClinicalTrials.gov

Competitive intelligence databases

Job description

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, visit www.crescentbiopharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.

We are seeking an experienced corporate development leader to build and maintain a comprehensive view of the solid tumor oncology landscape, translate scientific and competitive intelligence into clear portfolio priorities, and identify external opportunities that can strengthen Crescent’s pipeline. You will partner cross-functionally with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to evaluate assets, inform strategic decision-making, and prepare decision-oriented recommendations for the executive team and Board.

Responsibilities

• Landscape intelligence: Build and continuouslymaintaina comprehensive view of existing and emerging therapies across solid tumor oncology, spanning approved agents, late- and early-stage clinical assets, and preclinical modalities.
• Portfolio matrix: Develop and own a matrix / portfolio view mapping our own therapies, partner therapies, and prospective in-licensing targets against tumor types, lines of therapy, mechanisms of action, and combination potential.
• Search & evaluation: Proactively search for, identify, and evaluate potential opportunities (research collaboration, in-licensing preclinical and clinical assets, platform technologies and research tools) that are consistent with external BD strategies for the advancement of Crescent's Oncology pipeline, and driving sustainable growth for the Company.Review external opportunities for scientific merit and feasibility.
• Prioritization & gap analysis: Identify and prioritize where partnering, collaboration, or asset in-licensing can complete or strengthen the portfolio and articulate the strategic case for each opportunity.
• Data sourcing: Source, validate, and synthesize intelligence from clinical, competitive, and commercial databases to support decision-making (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, primary literature).
• Cross-functional partnership: Partner closely with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to translate portfolio strategy into actionable prioritization and resource allocation.
• Executive communication: Prepare clear, decision-oriented materials for the executive team and Board that communicate portfolio positioning, trade-offs, and recommendations.

Education & Experience

• Advanced scientific degree strongly preferred — PhD and/or MD in a relevant discipline (oncology, immunology, molecular/cancer biology, pharmacology). Exceptional candidates with equivalent depth ofexpertiseand experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and critically evaluate the mechanisms of action for oncology therapeutics
• Minimum 12 years of experience in oncology portfolio strategy, competitive intelligence, business development, translational research, or a closely related function within biopharma.
• Hands-on fluency with clinical-trial, pipeline, and competitive-intelligence databases, and the ability to structure disparate sources into a coherent analytical framework.
• Proven ability to build structured frameworks (matrices, prioritization models) that turn complex scientific and competitive information into clear strategic recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate dense science into decisions for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders alike.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities; able to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities.
• 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 $290,000 to $320,000. 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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