Associate Director/Director, Program Management (Drug Development)

About HotSpot Therapeutics, Inc. 

At HotSpot Therapeutics, nature is inspiring us to create a wave of new medicines. Through a proprietary technology platform, we are uncovering privileged allosteric sites used by nature to control proteins – called regulatory hotspots- that can be exploited through small molecule drug discovery. Regulatory hotspots are allowing sought-after targets to be drugged for the first time while delivering molecules with exquisite selectivity and attractive drug-like properties.

Hotspot is supported by a syndicate of leading healthcare investors based in the US and Europe. You will be joining a seasoned team of drug hunters with an excellent track record in drug discovery. At HotSpot, we’re not just looking for the brightest minds or for the most brilliant individual contributors. We want passionate team members who are comfortable adjusting their lens, aren’t afraid to think big, test bold ideas, and celebrate collective wins. We have established core values that resemble who we are and define our company culture. We are building a company where values drive everything we do inside and outside the organization

#Courageous Adventurers #Leave your Mark #Keep it Human #Make it Real 

SUMMARY: 

We are seeking a hands‑on Program Management leader to drive integrated planning and cross‑functional execution for a key pipeline program, with an immediate focus on advancing a lead asset from late discovery through IND and into early clinical development.

This role is centered on owning and maintaining the integrated development plan, ensuring clear, high-quality visibility across timelines, dependencies, critical path, and key assumptions. It focuses on driving cross-functional alignment and integration across teams to keep the plan current, coordinated, and reflective of evolving program inputs. The ideal candidate is able to engage with details when needed to ensure accuracy and rigor, while maintaining a strong focus on overall program priorities, risks, and forward-looking planning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Own, build, and maintain the integrated development plan from late discovery through IND and early clinical development, including timelines, milestones, dependencies, and critical path
• Drive cross‑functional planning and execution across Research, DMPK/Toxicology, CMC, Regulatory, and Clinical, translating inputs into clear, actionable plans
• Coordinate IND‑enabling activities across toxicology, safety pharmacology, CMC readiness, and clinical start‑up, partnering closely with Regulatory on IND/CTA strategy and timelines
• Act as a hands‑on program driver, directly updating plans, tracking progress, and ensuring consistent follow‑through across teams
• Identify and manage program risks, dependencies, and trade‑offs, partnering with functional leads on mitigation strategies and timely escalation
• Lead program team meetings and governance, ensuring clear decision‑making, documentation, and concise communication to leadership
• Support a smooth transition from discovery into early clinical development while championing best‑practice planning tools and processes (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet)

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 7–10 years of program or project management experience in biotech or pharmaceutical settings, including 5 years supporting drug development programs
• Experience supporting small‑molecule programs across preclinical development and into early clinical stages
• Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle, including IND‑enabling activities, GLP toxicology, CMC development, regulatory submissions (IND/CTA), and clinical start‑up
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and drive alignment in a matrixed environment
• Execution‑focused, detail‑oriented planner who brings clarity to complex dependencies and keeps programs moving forward
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize across disciplines
• Boston‑area based with ability to work on‑site two days per week

OUR BENEFITS: 

We believe that people are our greatest resource and foster a supportive environment that provides growth and development for all. We recognize and reward performance and incentivize long-term success. From benefits that focus on your health and well-being to competitive compensation to equity ownership, we want to inspire our employees to be their best! 

Our Benefits Include, But Are Not Limited To: 

Competitive salary and bonus plans 

New hire stock option award 

Comprehensive package of benefits plans and fringe benefits 

Generous paid holidays, time off, including company wide shutdowns 

Flexible working arrangements; hybrid work model 

Amazing team of supportive colleagues 

At HotSpot, we have a bold mission to establish a new drug discovery paradigm. If this appeals to you, please let us know at iamcurious@hotspotthera.com.  

HotSpot is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  

At this time, HotSpot is not able to offer Visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.