Director, Program Team Lead, Pipeline Programs

At AavantiBio, we believe it is possible to bring groundbreaking genetic therapies to every patient who lives with a serious genetic disorder. Formed from a group of people who share the vision of bringing a gene transfer therapy to patients with Friedreich’s ataxia that will specifically target its debilitating neurological and cardiac manifestations, our vision moving forward (avanti translates as ‘forward’ in Italian) is to advance a pipeline of innovative genetic therapies that address areas of high unmet medical need and thus have potential to become the next generation of life-changing medicines. We are backed by a strong syndicate of life science investors and have ambitious plans to dramatically impact the lives of patients around the world.

As an employee in the early stages of the company, you will play a key role in setting the foundation of our culture and core values. You will work alongside the founding management team who have a track record of success in the industry. The pace of work is fast, dynamic, and fun. We offer competitive salary and benefits with the ability to make a difference.

AavantiBio is seeking an experienced cross-functional leader to serve as the Program Team Lead, reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer and supported by Program Management, for our growing pipeline of AAV gene therapies for rare cardiac, central nervous system and neuromuscular disorders. In this role, you will be responsible for the scientific and strategic direction, cross-functional deliverables, and integrated program plans across multiple targets and indications. Using your expertise and leadership experience in drug development for early programs (inception to early clinical), you will lead a matrixed team of talented researchers and drug development professionals (Preclinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, Clinical Development, etc) to define goals and timelines for candidate molecules from candidate identification/selection through IND-enabling deliverables. You will also play a role in the evaluation and implementation of strategic partnerships and candidate-specific in-licensing opportunities. This is a high visibility leadership position with frequent opportunities to interact with the Executive Leadership Team.

Primary Responsibilities

Set clear direction and goals, ensuring the development and execution of program strategy in line with overall corporate strategy and objectives

Serve as the single point of accountability for the Program Team, and move key program decisions through appropriate governance forums

Drive the development and communication of Integrated Program Plans in partnership with Program Management and the Program Team

Facilitate efficient cross-functional communication and drive strategic and operational alignment within the program team, amongst function heads and with Executive Leadership

Lead strategic scenario planning discussions and work to identify critical issues and develop contingency plans in partnership with the Program Manager

Contribute to the build of high performing Program Teams, ensure adequate resources to support the program strategy, partner with function heads to resolve team performance issues and with line managers to develop team members

Drive strategic and tactical program planning in partnership with Program Management, Finance and Strategy/ Portfolio Management to inform the long-range planning, detailed investment planning, and portfolio prioritization

Monitor program financials and ensure appropriate resourcing to support program goals; escalate resource needs as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

10+ years working in discovery and drug development, including IND/CTA submissions and preferably experience through early clinical development; expertise in biotherapeutic development for rare disease is required and gene therapy experience is preferred

Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to influence, negotiate and persuade at all levels of the organization, including the ability to drive alignment with executive leadership, and guide others towards the accomplishment of program objectives

Multi-faceted background with direct involvement across multiple functional areas, including in roles where frequent decision-making was required

Expert in the processes for managing and developing personnel in a cross-functional, matrix-team environment; demonstrated ability to lead without direct authority and to build alignment, manage change, and resolve conflicts with diplomacy

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, and to message and document key progress and challenges appropriately; proficiency in adjusting language and/or terminology for the audience

Highly collaborative nature, teamwork oriented, and keen ability to identify and evaluate the critical issues of problems or opportunities