Director, Program Management

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA, focused on developing life‑changing medicines. Our Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context, enabling access to modern structural and screening technologies for the entire class of GPCRs. With an emerging pipeline of GPCR‑targeted small‑molecule programs, we aim to bring previously undruggable targets to the clinic.

We seek an experienced Director of Program Management to lead programs from discovery and development candidate nomination through clinical development. The role will ensure high‑quality, decision‑ready execution across research, preclinical, regulatory, and clinical functions, providing end‑to‑end program management leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead program management for one or more development programs from preclinical through clinical stages.
• Partner with the Product Development Team to define program strategy, conduct scenario planning, and translate strategy into executable plans.
• Identify and manage program‑level risks, assumptions, and interdependencies; lead mitigation planning and issue resolution.
• Escalate risks and decision points with clear options and recommendations.
• Prepare presentations for internal and external meetings (team presentations, management reviews, Board of Directors meetings).

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, including milestones, timelines, budgets, and resource assumptions.
• Monitor progress against plans, identify deviations, and implement mitigation strategies or alternative scenarios.
• Conduct critical‑path and dependency analyses to proactively identify risks and bottlenecks.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication of program status, key risks, and upcoming milestones.
• Align diverse stakeholders around priorities, decisions, and execution plans in a matrixed environment.

Process Excellence & Capability Building

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of program management processes, tools, and templates.
• Promote best practices in program planning, governance, and execution across the organization.

About You

• Advanced degree in drug discovery / development (Ph.D., PharmD, MBA preferred).
• 10–15+ years in biotech or pharma, with prior project‑management experience in early clinical development.
• Deep expertise in drug‑development processes, especially endocrinology, immunology, or CNS.
• Track record of managing small‑molecule discovery projects from early research through IND/CTA submissions, clinical trial management, and program strategy development.
• Proficiency with project‑management tools such as Microsoft Project and Smartsheet.
• Ability to execute diverse strategies in a matrix environment and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience collaborating closely with scientific leaders.
• Desire to work on a small team in a fast‑paced environment.

Salary & Benefits

Anticipated salary for full‑time positions in South San Francisco, CA: $230,000 – $255,000 (variable by experience, location, and education). Compensation includes benefits, stock options, and an annual target bonus.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Septerna participates in the E‑Verify program. California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice for Job Applicants: If you are a California resident, click here for our CCPA Notice.

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