[Hiring] Associate Director, Development Program Manager @Encoded Therapeutics

Role Description

Encoded is seeking an Associate Director, Development Program Manager to drive the cross-functional planning and execution of a development program within our AAV gene therapy platform, focused on central nervous system (CNS) indications. Reporting to the Director, Development Program Management, this role is for an experienced program management professional who combines strong organizational and project-management expertise with a solid understanding of the drug development process, ideally including gene therapy or other advanced modalities.

The Associate Director will serve as the operational backbone for the program team, working closely with:

• Research
• Clinical Development
• Regulatory Affairs
• CMC
• Patient Advocacy
• Medical Affairs

to ensure program timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables stay aligned and on track, while partnering with and escalating to the Program Management Organization (PMO) Director on major risks, resourcing conflicts, and strategic trade-offs.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacology, or a related field preferred; an MBA or project management certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in program or project management within the biotech, pharmaceutical, or related life sciences industry.
• Working knowledge of the drug development process, including preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
• Experience supporting gene therapy, AAV vectors, or other advanced modality programs, and/or rare disease programs, strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing cross-functional teams in the development and execution of complex development programs, preferably in gene therapy.
• Up to 20% travel may be required.

Requirements

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a complex, multi-functional program.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive, critical-thinking approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate in a dynamic team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing materials for and presenting to senior leadership.
• Proficient in Smartsheet, Office Timelines and/or other project management tools and software.
• Proven ability to evaluate existing PMO tooling, workflows, and delivery frameworks; skilled at identifying operational bottlenecks and providing strategic recommendations to modernize and streamline processes.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving company environment with the ability to adjust priorities as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive employer premium contributions.
• Meaningful stock option grants.
• PTO, sick time and holiday pay.
• Generous Parental Leave program.
• Pre-tax medical and dependent care programs.
• STD, LTD, Life and AD&D.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Team-building events.
• Fully stocked micro-kitchen.
• Fitness center at South San Francisco location.