Director, Program Management

Umoja Biopharma • Seattle, WA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

Umoja Biopharma is seeking a Director of Portfolio & Program Management to serve as the Program Management Lead for select development programs. The role drives strategic planning and cross-functional execution, partnering with product team leads and cross-functional teams to translate strategy into integrated plans and execute across the product lifecycle. This includes Phase 1 programs and strategic planning for late-stage development, regulatory submission, and commercial readiness. The position focuses on cross-functional integration, consistent execution, and efficient drug development. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, hands-on builder who strengthens project management tools and practices as Umoja grows, builds partnerships, communicates effectively, solves problems, and leads teams through challenges.

The role reports to the Vice President, Portfolio & Program Management, within Clinical Development. It is based in Umoja’s Seattle, Washington office and requires onsite work at least three days per week. The position may include coaching, mentoring, and directing other program or project managers and contractors. The level may be Director or Senior Director, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Director level: minimum 10 years of experience, including at least 5 years in program management in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.
• Senior Director level: minimum 12 years of experience, including at least 7 years in program management in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.
• Minimum 2 years of people management experience.
• Experience leading oncology, autoimmune disease, or gene and cell therapy programs.
• Successful experience overseeing IND-stage and clinical programs.
• Ability to present effectively and comfortably to peers, leadership, and executive teams.
• Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships and positively influence outcomes.
• Ability and judgment to make decisions, including difficult decisions, and advance ideas in the company’s best interest.
• Ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels and simplify complex ideas for varied audiences.
• Advanced skills using Smartsheet, OnePager, or other project management tools.
• Strong technology skills, including Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel, and MS Teams.
• Ability to work onsite in the Seattle office at least three days per week.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or another advanced degree in immunology, biology, or genetics.
• Experience with INDs and ex-U.S. equivalents.
• PMP or equivalent program/project management certification.
• Experience as a program manager in a growing or start-up biotech environment.
• Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities in a scientific, multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to drive initiatives in a fast-paced, nimble environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to advance programs into and through clinical trials.
• Partner with project teams and functional leadership to develop strategies and options, define goals and milestones, monitor and report progress, identify and escalate gaps and challenges, and execute development plans.
• Drive effective, inclusive, collaborative program and alliance teams and robust discussions to support optimized operational plans and efficient drug development.
• Support product and governance decisions through effective meeting practices, including agendas, minutes, decision logs, and action logs.
• Own program team operating rhythms and documentation, including integrated timelines, risk and issue registers, decision and action logs, and meeting records.
• Ensure clear, consistent program communications and systematic organizational reporting, including monthly reports and milestone tracking.
• Support development of consistent program and project management practices, infrastructure, and efficient ways of working within the Portfolio & Program team.
• Provide alliance management support for assigned partnered programs, maintaining relationships and promoting partnership excellence.
• Partner with Finance, Business Operations, and other stakeholders on corporate program planning, including cross-functional resource planning and financial assessments.
• Support initiatives and special projects as needed.
• Potentially coach, mentor, and direct other program or project managers and contractors.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan through Fidelity with a 100% match on the first 4% of employee deferrals.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Employee commuter benefits.
• Cell phone stipend.

What This Job Offers

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