Director, Program Management

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson's disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer's disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary

This position serves a key role in the organization supporting cross‑functional strategy and delivery for the programs. The Director, Program Management is accountable for the day‑to‑day operations of the Asset Strategy Team (AST) focused on the lifecycle of Acadia’s development and commercial assets. This position will partner with the Asset Strategy Team Leader (ASTL) and functions across ACADIA as the project management lead.

As a member of the Portfolio Management organization, this position is also accountable for supporting goals and objectives at the enterprise and departmental levels and will drive initiatives to evolve cross‑functional operating models.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operations of a high performing Asset Strategy Team (AST) in support of delivering on the full lifecycle of ACADIA assets.
• Responsible for developing, maintaining, and ensuring team execution of the integrated development plan.
• Supports the ASTL to develop the asset strategy and drive strategic priorities through the AST.
• Partners with sub‑team leaders to ensure the design and delivery of development and commercialization plans are in alignment with the strategy through cross‑functional sub‑teams.
• Owns program reports and project management tools (i.e., Smartsheet) and processes (e.g., decision calendar, program goals development & tracking, decisions & actions log, agendas, minutes, budgets).
• Responsible for timelines, risk management plans, and communication plans.
• Generates critical path / gap analyses and supports scenario planning.
• Through the AST, drives the preparation of Portfolio Governance (PG) presentations (i.e., asset strategy endorsement, stage‑gate approval, budget approval) and other senior leadership presentations.
• Supports PG planning and operations.
• Works independently within a matrix environment, leads teams, and actively manages stakeholders.
• Identifies and implements project management best practices for the broader Portfolio Management organization.
• Drive key aspects of Acadia’s drug development and commercialization operating model.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience / Skills

Bachelor’s degree in life science or related field; Advanced degree preferred. Targeting 10 years of progressively responsible, relevant experience focusing on program management with 6 years in a leadership role which includes experience managing cross‑functional project teams. Successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the drug development process from preclinical pharmacology to regulatory approval and the principles, concepts, practices, and standards of pharmaceutical program management. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and / or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range : $187,000 – $234,400 USD

What we offer US-based Employees

EEO Statement (US-based Employees)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally‑protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858‑261‑2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

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