Strategy & Operations Associate

Position Details

Title: Strategy & Operations Associate
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Company Overview

Transcend Therapeutics, founded in 2021, is a clinical-stage, neuroscience-focused company developing rapid-acting treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases. Our mission is to develop new drugs for the millions of people for whom current psychiatric medicines have not worked.

Our lead program, TSND-201 (methylone), is the first drug to demonstrate rapid, robust, and durable efficacy in PTSD, and has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation. Phase 2 trials are complete, and we are now preparing to advance TSND-201 into Phase 3 in 2026, with planned expansion into additional CNS indications.

About the Role

We are seeking a Strategy & Operations Associate to join Transcend at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. Working directly with the CEO and the Head of Finance & Operations, you’ll play a central role in strengthening internal operations, people processes, and strategic initiatives as we scale into a late-stage biotech.

The role offers close executive mentorship, broad functional exposure, and a clear pathway to develop into a future Chief of Staff–type position.

We’re looking for someone with 1–3 years of experience in consulting, investment banking, or similarly rigorous environments who thrives in fast-paced, high-ownership settings. You’ll take on high-priority projects across the company with a mix of analytical, operational, and people-focused work. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, strong execution skills, a meaningful desire to learn how to build a company, and a deep passion for improving mental healthcare.

Hybrid role based in NYC; HQ by Union Square.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and support special projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strategically manage the CEO’s calendar and priorities to ensure time is aligned with the most important initiatives.
• Lead company culture-building initiatives, internal communications, and employee engagement efforts, including monthly full-team meetings.
• Support the Head of Finance with vendor management, invoice processing, budgeting inputs, and preparation of financial review and board materials.
• Assist in developing investor presentations, diligence documents, and other external-facing materials with a high standard of quality.
• Maintain and improve internal workflows and operational systems.
• Maintain accurate internal documentation to ensure leadership has timely access to essential resources and information.
• Lead core People Operations processes, including seamless onboarding/offboarding, training schedules, system access, benefits updates, compliance documentation, and maintenance of employee handbooks, org charts, and internal directories.
• Conduct targeted market, competitive, scientific, and investor research to support strategic planning and senior leadership decision-making.

We offer competitive cash and equity compensation; medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401k; unlimited vacation and sick time; and more.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $120,000, plus equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, business operations, or similarly rigorous, fast-paced roles.
• Exceptional organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage complex workflows and competing priorities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, polished materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of professionalism; trusted with confidential information and executive-level communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, anticipate needs, and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment.
• Enthusiasm for mental health, neuroscience, or healthcare innovation.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and talented team, free from discrimination. If you're excited about our mission but don't meet 100% of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Gain

• High-impact visibility across every function of a VC-backed, late-clinical-stage biotech.
• Direct partnership with the CEO, Head of Finance & Operations, and senior scientific and operational leaders.
• Meaningful responsibility in shaping company culture, internal processes, and operational excellence.
• Significant opportunities for growth into Chief of Staff position, as well as roles across Finance, Operations, People, and Strategy as the company scales.

Transcend Values

Operate with good intent. Above all, we aim to reduce suffering. We must remain selfless in pursuit of that noble goal, acting with good intent and assuming the same in our partners and peers.

Proceed with Passion. We’re working to usher in an era where people with mental illness have safe and easy access to the treatments they need. Fulfilling that mission demands creative ideas, camaraderie among collaborators, and an understanding that we are all responsible for our individual and team success. 

Be willing to work—and learn—together. The problems we’re working to solve are complex, and no one person has every solution. Making the best decision as a team is more important than being individually “right.” The diversity of our backgrounds and experiences is a strength; when all of those views are synthesized, we can develop new solutions and make better decisions.

Stay focused and flexible. Resourcefulness plays a major part in our success; we can’t let unexpected set-backs derail our progress. Think creatively, act ethically, and find a way to get it done.