Associate Director, Early Development - Program Management

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is looking for an Associate Director, Early Development – Program Management

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. Syndax Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies.

The Role:

 We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Associate Director, Early Development, Program Management. This individual will report into VP, Portfolio & Program Management and will work closely with Program Teams and relevant sub-teams to support progress of programs and enable delivery of key R&D goals.  In this role, you will help project manage, develop and drive cutting-edge research plans in Drug Discovery and Preclinical phases of development working towards IND filing.  You will also play a key role in supporting team members in communication internally and externally, including governance. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Program Leadership: Drive program and project management for drug discovery and pre-clinical development phases, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timelines. Build and facilitate internal cross-functional core teams.
• Program Management: Schedule and facilitate meetings, prepare agendas and meeting minutes, track action items, manage team dynamics, and escalate risks as appropriate, to ensure execution of research plans.
• Early Development Expertise: Provide expert program management support and guidance on early development processes, from target identification through to IND filing.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate and participate in meetings with both internal and external partners, working with them to develop and foster productive cross-company relationships; assist with governance meetings and other activities.
• Milestone Management: Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets to achieve key milestones and deliverables.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure program success.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on program status and progress. Work with Project Leader on program objectives and priorities, scenario planning, governance presentations.

Desired Experience/Education and Personal Attributes: 

• BA/BS in a relevant science field, graduate degree highly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Program Management or an adjacent role in biotech. Overall experience in the industry 7+ years.
• Significant experience in early drug discovery (e.g., target identification, hit to-lead stages) and late drug discovery (e.g., candidate stage, preclinical/IND enabling stages) in the capacity as a program/project manager.
• Prior experience managing or working within cross-functional project teams with timeline management and budgetary responsibility on early-stage drug development programs.
• Formal Project Management Training or Certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is highly preferred.
• Strong experience working with external partners, including contract labs, CROs, CDMOs, and others to ensure clear project scope, timelines, deliverables, and oversight.
• Preferred: Laboratory experience in an academic, pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting including contributions to IND-enabling work.
• Early Development Expertise: Knowledge of early drug development including the transition of novel candidates from discovery through first in man studies.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of project management tools and software; Smartsheet experience is preferred.
• Project Management Experience: Extensive experience in project management, with a strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies.  Proven track record of successful project management experience preferably supporting early-stage drug development programs. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address technical issues and improve tool functionality.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively listen to, collaborate with, and design new solutions with team members and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; ability to adapt to changes with demonstrated flexibility to pivot fearlessly as warranted and needed.
• Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• There will be minimal travel (<10%) with this role.

Location: Syndax has offices in Waltham, MA and New York City and has a dispersed workforce across the United States.

About Syndax:
Syndax Pharmaceuticals is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies. Highlights of the Company's pipeline include revumenib a highly selective menin inhibitor, and Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr), a monoclonal antibody that blocks the colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor. Syndax is working to unlock the full potential of its pipeline and is conducting several clinical trials across the continuum of treatment for both revumenib and Niktimvo. For more information, please visit www.syndax.com/ or follow the Company on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

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