Associate Director, Early Portfolio Alliance Management & Operations

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine•Cambridge, MA

11d

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a proactive, scientifically literate Associate Director to support management and execution of early-portfolio alliances and external collaborations across discovery, preclinical, and early clinical stages. The role works closely with Oncology Strategy and Operations leadership, the VP of Discovery, Therapeutic Area leadership, project teams, and cross-functional partners to drive scientific integration, alliance governance, and timely delivery of joint objectives. Remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis and requires Company approval.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, or a Master’s or Ph.D. degree and at least 6 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of drug development and early-stage R&D processes.
Experience in alliance management, partner-facing roles, or cross-functional project management in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build working relationships across scientific, clinical, legal, finance, and external partner teams.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to oversee multiple programs and priorities concurrently.
Ability to assess risks and lead the development and implementation of mitigation strategies.
Skill in meeting facilitation, agenda-setting, and tracking actions through to closure.
Ability to interpret scientific data and translate its implications into operational actions.
Some travel may be required to meet with partners or internal teams.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience leading discovery, preclinical, or Phase 1 collaborations or alliances in oncology.
Experience working with external partners across geographies and with industrial or academic partners.
Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

Oversee discovery-to-early-clinical partnerships and collaborations, ensuring alignment with scientific objectives and corporate strategy.
Serve as the primary operational liaison between internal Janssen teams and external partners; coordinate cross-functional working groups and research teams.
Plan and run governance and scientific meetings, including JRC, JDC, and JSC meetings; prepare agendas, manage logistics, track actions and deliverables, and ensure timely follow-up.
Support the development and iterative refinement of joint research and development plans; monitor scientific progress and recommend adjustments with partner teams.
Create, maintain, and communicate timelines and milestone trackers; anticipate integration points and dependencies across internal and external activities.
Identify program risks, resource or technical gaps, and operational issues; lead scenario planning and coordinate mitigation plans with stakeholders.
Support alliance budget and resource planning; work with finance and legal to address contractual obligations, milestone criteria, and reporting requirements.
Integrate external programs into Janssen governance forums and processes, escalating issues to leadership as needed.
Provide ad hoc strategic and operational support to core functions, including governance, strategy development, and portfolio prioritization, based on business needs.
Travel as needed to meet with partners or internal teams.