SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Duties: The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.


The laboratory of Dr. James Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the 'go-to' organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.
We are currently seeking a Senior Director, Project Management to lead the strategic implementation of project management practices within IND enabling and early drug development space.


We are currently seeking a Senior Director, Project Management to lead the strategic implementation of project management practices within IND enabling and early drug development space.


Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director will lead and enable their project management team to generate and implement the overall development strategy and plan for projects to meet aggressive, forward-looking goals. You will have overall command of strategy and supporting critical path/activities, risks, contingencies and alternatives and oversight of a high-performing project management team and their activities including development of milestones, budgets, communication plans, reporting, and resource plan development. You will set clear and accountable goals for direct reports and ensure alignment with GTP's mission. You will promote team cohesiveness to optimize the performance of project management activities. In addition, you may lead projects of your own, serving as the chair of Translational Research Projects with a high level of complexity & visibility. This will require generating meeting agendas and notes, distributing actionable items in a timely fashion, and following up with the Project Leaders and Core Directors to ensure progress/completion.


This role is highly cross-functional and will involve collaboration with external partners, along with senior leadership, core leadership and study directors within GTP.


The successful candidate should possess a scientific background and demonstrate an understanding of or experience with drug development and the regulatory requirements to plan, execute, and deliver IND's to global regulatory authorities. An emphasis will be placed on superior leadership, execution, and transparency across the organization and to senior leadership.

Qualifications: * Master's Degree and 5 to 7 years overall experience in pharmaceutical development (can include experience with bench science, CMC, clinical study, etc.) with at least 5 years program management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
* PhD (life sciences) or MBA preferred; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
* Thorough understanding of pharmaceutical development processes
* Proven ability to manage scientifically and operationally complex programs. Experience in rare diseases is preferred.
* Proven ability to balance the strategic needs of the program with tactical day-to-day activities
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate others, influence without authority, and negotiate conflict situations
* Outstanding communication, analytical, and organizational skills
* Highly collaborative team player who fosters open communication and facilitates mutual understanding and cooperation between all stakeholders
* Proven ability to balance conflicting priorities across multiple programs, and to make sound recommendations for trade-offs between resources to achieve organizational objectives
* Self-directed individual who is able to work with limited direction in a fast-paced environment
* Proven track record of success in Project Management
* Experience creating and managing integrated timelines and budgets
* Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities under tight deadlines
* Ability to effectively manage multiple diverse cross-functional teams in a matrix organizational structure
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Proficient with Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Project)

Reference Number: 40-29833

Salary Grade: 030

Employment Type: Exempt

Org: DM-Gene Therapy Program

Special Requirements:

Job Family: B-Executive/Managerial Administration