Overview
Encoded Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company advancing precision medicines for a broad range of genetic disorders. Our mission is to unlock new opportunities for viral gene therapy through genomics-driven discovery. We focus on delivering life-changing advances for individuals with genetic disorders not addressable with current approaches.
Position Details
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 and 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.
Responsibilities
Program Strategy and Core Team Leadership
- Facilitate development and implementation of program strategy, ensuring alignment with company goals, timelines, and budgetary constraints
- Organize Development Core Team activities that foster cross-functional collaboration, effective communication, and strategic discussion, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on program objectives and milestones
- Ensure cross-functional teams are properly prepared for internal meetings, communications to management, and engagement with external partners
- Partner with the Director of PMO to ensure portfolio and cross-program considerations alignment
Program Planning and Execution
- Develop and maintain the integrated program plan, timeline, and budget across all functional areas (Research, Nonclinical, Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, Medical, Patient Advocacy, Commercial)
- Track deliverables resulting from Core Team meetings, ensuring timelines are met and objectives are achieved
- Identify program risks and dependencies early, and develop and track mitigation plans in partnership with functional leads, with particular attention to AAV gene therapy considerations (e.g., viral vector supply timelines, long-term follow-up requirements, specialized dosing or delivery infrastructure for CNS administration)
- Assist functional leads with implementing risk management strategies, proactively identifying and mitigating program risks and challenges
- Support scenario planning and contingency planning for key program decision points (e.g., go/no-go milestones, regulatory interactions, data readouts)
- Contribute to the development and refinement of program management processes, templates, and best practices across the organization
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Serve as the primary point of integration across functional areas for the program, ensuring consistent communication of program status, risks, and decisions
- Partner with functional leads to coordinate cross-functional projects related to CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Medical, Patient Advocacy, and Nonclinical
- Facilitate internal communication to identify risks and mitigations, escalating unresolved issues to the Director PM as needed
Budget and Resource Management
- Partner with Finance and functional leads on budget forecasting
- Support resource planning and capacity analysis across functions to ensure the program is appropriately staffed
Communication and Reporting
- Monitor and report program progress, providing regular updates to cross-functional teams, the PM Director, and other stakeholders
- Utilize formal communication protocols and tools, including dashboards, reports, and weekly/monthly updates
- Support maintenance of program documentation in alignment with internal quality and compliance standards
Ad Hoc Projects
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to contribute to ad hoc functional projects across various departments
- Collaborate with team members to address challenges and find innovative solutions
- Support Quarterly Business Review (QBR) and Board of Directors (BoD) meetings as needed
Requirements
- 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 complex development programs, preferably in gene therapy
- Up to 20% travel may be required
Skills and Attributes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving company environment
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP certification or equivalent program/project management credential
- Experience supporting rare disease or CNS-focused gene therapy programs
- Familiarity with gene therapy-specific regulatory considerations
- Demonstrated experience leveraging AI-assisted features within modern program and portfolio management tools
- Experience with governance processes in a biotech or pharmaceutical organization (e.g., portfolio reviews, stage-gate processes)
- Familiarity with IND submission
Compensation
- For candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area the salary range for this position is 170,000 - 205,000
- For candidates based outside the San Francisco Bay Area, the salary range is 160,000 - 189,000
Encoded considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, internal equity and geographic location. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off, and a benefits package.
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