Director/Sr. Director, Program Management

About Character Biosciences Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success. Our interdisciplinary team spans human genetics, clinical science, data science and engineering, and drug discovery and development. We are advancing two programs for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) into the clinic, with additional discovery-stage programs underway. Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Innovation Endeavors, Sanofi Ventures, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD. Role : Director/Sr. Director, Program Management Reports to: VP, Clinical Science Department: Clinical Development Level: Director/Sr. Director Location : Hybrid, Remote The Opportunity : The Director/Senior Director of Program Management will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and technical execution, helping to lead cross-functional teams from discovery through commercialization. This role requires a seasoned leader who thrives in the "gray area" of drug development, turning ambiguity into actionable, integrated plans. The successful candidate demonstrates outstanding influencing and communication skills and has a solution-oriented mindset to move programs forward with a sense of urgency. Key Responsibilities : Partner with Project Team and functional heads to establish and maintain integrated program plans, identifying and managing critical paths to value-creating milestones Develop and track comprehensive program timelines and budget Drive the development and implementation of comprehensive program plans, goals, budgets, and timelines. Ensure every functional area is aligned and held accountable. Partnering with Finance, functional heads, and Project Team to forecast a program budget and resource needs. Ensure alignment of program strategy/plan/execution with management expectations and priorities Lead the development of scenarios and recommendations for decision making at various governance bodies Strengthen and lead cross-functional Project Teams, fostering a culture of open collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of urgency. Facilitating a cross-functional meeting to identify and resolve a critical path bottleneck in a clinical trial or program. Leverage deep industry knowledge to identify potential program risks early. Collaborate with the Project Team to develop robust contingency plans to ensure value-creating milestones are met. Ensure accurate and timely communication -- you must be adept at framing nuanced context, capturing the rationale for decisions, and tailoring messages for diverse audiences. Skills and Qualifications : BA or BS in life sciences required; advanced degree preferred Minimum of 8 years (Director) to 10 years (Sr. Director) of industry experience in drug development and program/portfolio management. Candidates must demonstrate success in advancing programs from early-phase milestones through late-stage execution, with specialized experience in Ophthalmology/retina preferred Expert-level proficiency in developing and maintaining integrated Gantt timelines (via MS Project). Must demonstrate a deep understanding of critical path methodology and the technical interdependencies between Toxicology, CMC, Clinical Ops, and Regulatory Affairs. Demonstrated experience in leading teams and cultivating effective cross-functional collaborations Abil