Senior Strategic Programs Manager

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) in Rockville, MD seeks a Senior Strategic Programs Manager to drive international government and regulatory affairs initiatives, manage KPIs and timelines, and support the EVP on priority projects.

You will expand the Preferential Access for Regulators program, coordinate with internal experts, and translate complex information into concise briefing materials for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Life Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health, or related fields.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a relevant field, preferably with regulators or regulatory topics.
• Experience leading project management with KPIs, timelines and resource allocations.
• Excellent communication, presentations, and interpersonal skills for clear reporting.
• Experience using digital and technology tools, including social media.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee project management for key strategic initiatives in International Government & Regulatory Affairs with KPIs, timelines and resources.
• Manage operations of an executive-level internal international advisory group.
• Oversee development and dissemination of clear project updates for stakeholders.
• Manage and enhance the Preferential Access for Regulators program to expand access to USP standards.
• Provide strategic support for engagements with key stakeholders and collaborators, including research and briefing materials.
• Provide strategic and operational support to the EVP of Global External Affairs (≈25% of role).

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Regulatory affairs

Strategic thinking

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field

Tools

Social media tools

Presentations (PowerPoint)

Digital tools

Job description

Description

Who is USP?

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide.

At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health.

USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific minds—regardless of background—to contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Brief Job Overview

This role serves as a key driver of strategic initiatives within the International Government & Regulatory Affairs department, leading project management efforts across high-priority programs and ensuring effective tracking of goals, timelines, and resources. The Senior Strategic Programs Manager is responsible for strengthening how the organization communicates its impact, while also managing a flagship program that expands access to USP standards and training for international regulatory partners. The position provides strategic and analytical support for engagements with key stakeholders, translating complex information into clear, actionable insights. In addition, the role partners closely with the EVP of Global External Affairs, providing both strategic and operational support to advance organizational priorities.

How will YOU create impact here at USP?

As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards.

Additionally, USP’s People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments.

The Senior Strategic Programs Manager has the following responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee project management for key strategic initiatives within the International Government & Regulatory Affairs department, including development and tracking of KPIs, timelines, and resource allocation. Most of these initiatives will be executed in locations outside of the US.

• Manage the operations of an executive level internal international advisory group.

• Oversee the development and dissemination of clear, concise project updates for internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage and enhance the Preferential Access for Regulators program, expanding access to USP quality standards and training materials for eligible regulatory authorities.

• Provide strategic and subject-matter support for USP’s engagements with key stakeholders and collaborators, including conducting research, coordinating with internal experts, and developing briefing materials.

• Provide direct strategic and operational support to the EVP of Global External Affairs (approximately 25% of role) on priority projects.

Who is USP Looking For?

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of our mission, commitment to excellence through inclusive and equitable behaviors and practices, ability to quickly build credibility with stakeholders, along with the following competencies and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant fields (Life Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health, Political Science, International Affairs, Pharmacy, etc.).

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a relevant field. Work connected to pharmaceutical regulators and regulatory topics preferred.

• Experience in project management, including managing key performance indicators, timelines and resource allocations.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including ability to synthesize complex information, develop compelling presentations, and write clear and cogent reports.

• Experience utilizing and proactive embracement of digital and technology tools, including social media.

Additional Desired Preferences

• Advanced degree (Life Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health, Political Science, Law, Pharmacy, Medicine, etc.) or other related field preferred.

• Experience working in a matrixed organization.

• Experience working with regulators and government officials.

• Experience working and communicating across cultures.

• Ability to influence and drive cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None, this is an individual contributor role.

Benefits

USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: USD $120,051.00 – $171,072 annually.

Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role.

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate’s skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Category Project Management

Job Type Full-Time