Director Program Management
The Director of Program Management is an experienced professional in the principles of project management with demonstrated ability to manage multiple high priority clinical-stage projects in the biopharmaceutical sector. This individual will work closely with internal cross functional teams and with Karuna’s partners to ensure clarity of strategy, manage specific projects/programs against budget and timelines, and facilitate communication across all parties to ensure project success. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Program Management will partner closely with the Chief Medical Officer, VP of Finance, VP of CMC and Preclinical and other team members to assist in the successful delivery of development milestones and goals tied to Karuna’s near and long-term corporate goals.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain fully integrated project plans, incorporating activities, responsibilities, interdependencies, key resource requirements and critical path analysis that facilitate the delivery of tangible results against program and corporate goals.
Work closely with function-based colleagues with project management/timeline responsibilities to ensure accuracy, consistency and continuity between the integrated project plan and timelines within those key functions (e.g. pre-clinical, clinical, CMC, business development, finance, etc.).
Establish and implement operational mechanisms to facilitate effective and timely cross-functional program management, communication, decision making, and successful execution of the development plan.
Direct and facilitate program teams to identify, define, prioritize and communicate risks to successful program execution; develop and monitor risk mitigation and contingency plans.
Communicate effectively and timely with program team members and senior management regarding project status, timelines, milestones, key events, and revision to the development plan.
Create agendas, minutes, materials and dashboards to support and facilitate the project team’s management and execution of the development plan.
Lead data-driven decision-making processes to enable timely and objective recommendations for continuation, acceleration, reprioritization, redesign of the development plan.
Required Qualifications
B.S./M.S. degree in a life sciences discipline; advanced degree and/or MBA strongly preferred.
A minimum of 10 years drug development experience in the biopharmaceutical industry including a minimum of 5 years project management or equivalent experience.
Experience in startup or small company environment strongly preferred
Strong understanding of the drug development process including the strategic and operational requirements from IND to Phase III
Competency in developing, implementing and delivering project plans, dashboards and risk mitigation and contingency plans to successful endpoints.
Self-directed, accomplishment-driven individual with a strong sense of passion and urgency who can work both independently and in a cross-functional team environment, Proven track record of success in leading and managing cross-functional development teams.
fostering open communication, mutual understanding and cooperation.
Pragmatic, solution-oriented thinker who possesses a “can do” attitude, coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and influence others, negotiate during situational conflict, and establish the best forward path in the face of competing points of view.
Proven ability to be productive and successful in a fast-paced work environment
Ability to articulate complex issues and ideas with clarity to enable understanding and timely decision making.
Fluency with standard computer software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) Experience in other project management tools or software applications a plus.
Karuna Therapeutics is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.
