Strategic Program Director, Cross-Functional Leadership

itcss; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarsus seeks a Director, Program Team Lead to provide strategic and cross-functional leadership for development programs, integrating development, regulatory, commercial, and operational perspectives to maximize long-term molecule value.

You will lead a cross-functional Program Team, define and execute an integrated molecule strategy aligned with corporate priorities, and drive decisions with senior leaders.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in biopharma with strategic leadership.
• Experience leading cross-functional drug development programs across multiple stages.
• Strong understanding of global drug development and regulatory strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in matrixed environments without direct authority.
• Willingness to be hands-on and delve into details.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cross-functional Program Team to define and execute an integrated molecule strategy aligned with long-term corporate strategy and enterprise priorities.
• Own and evolve the Target Product Profile (TPP) and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to optimize molecule value.
• Drive key program decisions by defining strategic options, risks, and recommendations in collaboration with functional leaders.
• Serve as the enterprise voice of the molecule, aligning stakeholders around program strategy, priorities, and decisions.
• Drive excellence in day-to-day Program Team execution, ensuring program milestones, timelines, and deliverables progress in alignment with strategy.
• Shape molecule-level inputs to annual budgeting, portfolio, and long-range planning processes, clearly articulating key assumptions, risks, and value drivers.
• Proactively identify strategic and executional risks, including competitive, regulatory, and market shifts, and develop scenario-based mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality program updates, strategic recommendations, and decision materials to Executive Team, Board, and other key governance forums.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to the evolution of program leadership practices and governance processes as the organization scales.

Job description

Tarsus seeks a Director, Program Team Lead to provide strategic and cross-functional leadership for development programs, integrating development, regulatory, commercial, and operational perspectives to maximize long-term molecule value.

You will lead a cross-functional Program Team, define and execute an integrated molecule strategy aligned with corporate priorities, and drive decisions with senior leaders.