Associate Director - Catalyze360 External Partnering

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

33d • $136,500 - $200,200

About The Position

Lilly is seeking an Associate Director for its Catalyze360 External Partnering team to expand and strengthen outreach to early-stage biotechnology companies. Catalyze360 connects emerging biotech companies with resources through Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, Lilly ExploR&D, and Lilly TuneLabs. Lilly ExploR&D partners with biotechs from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept, offering support ranging from strategic consulting to full program execution.

The role focuses on identifying high-potential emerging companies, building trusted relationships with founders and scientific leaders, and shaping engagements that help innovators advance science toward value-creating milestones and medicines for patients. The successful candidate will combine drug discovery and development knowledge, business acumen, and strong connections across the biotechnology ecosystem.

The position may offer a remote option based on business needs and requires up to 30% travel for client meetings, conferences, and site visits. The anticipated wage is $136,500–$200,200. Full-time equivalent employees are eligible for a company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance, and eligible employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD, or PharmD) in a relevant scientific field, such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in client services, consultative business development, external innovation, biotech partnering, venture ecosystem engagement, pharmaceutical services, or related roles.
• At least 3 years of experience working with early-stage biotech companies, founders, venture-backed organizations, incubators, accelerators, or external innovation networks.
• At least 3 years of hands-on knowledge of drug discovery and development, including scientific, translational, operational, and financing challenges faced by early companies.
• Ability to understand early-stage programs, assess strategic needs, and translate technical concepts into clear engagement opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building, written communication, verbal communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple company conversations, and advance opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, pipeline management, outreach tracking, and business development analytics tools.
• Established network within the U.S. biotechnology, venture, incubator, accelerator, or founder ecosystem.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent.
• Track record of building external relationships, generating qualified opportunities, and growing consultative service offerings.
• Demonstrated success in consultative selling, needs assessment, and complex solution development.
• Experience with early-stage biotech companies and understanding of their scientific, operational, and capital-efficiency challenges.
• Familiarity with consulting, fee-for-service, sponsored research, milestone-based, or other flexible engagement structures.

Responsibilities

• Expand Catalyze360 collaborations by finding, cultivating, and converting opportunities with early-stage biotechnology companies.
• Develop and execute outreach strategies to increase awareness of ExploR&D and TuneLab capabilities among founders, venture-backed companies, incubators, accelerators, and emerging biotech networks.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified prospects through proactive outreach, ecosystem mapping, venture and incubator relationships, industry events, and referrals across Catalyze360.
• Lead initial conversations with prospective companies to understand scientific objectives, development constraints, resource gaps, and opportunities for Catalyze360 solutions.
• Shape customized engagements connecting company needs with ExploR&D expertise and digital solutions.
• Collaborate with Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, Lilly TuneLab, scientific subject-matter experts, and operational teams to coordinate support for promising companies.
• Monitor biotech ecosystem trends, founder needs, funding dynamics, and emerging areas of science to identify outreach opportunities and inform Catalyze360 strategy.
• Represent Catalyze360 at industry conferences, founder forums, incubator events, and networking venues to build visibility and generate consulting leads.
• Provide leadership with regular pipeline updates, outreach metrics, company intelligence, and market insights to guide prioritization and resourcing.

Benefits

• Company bonus for full-time equivalent employees, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Certain time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director