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Senior Manager/Associate Director Program Management

Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

About Us: 

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is developing novel biologics designed to set a new standard for the treatment of chronic skin diseases. Oruka’s mission is to offer patients suffering from chronic skin diseases like plaque psoriasis the greatest possible freedom from their condition by achieving high rates of complete disease clearance with dosing as infrequently as once or twice per year. Oruka is advancing a proprietary portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies that were engineered by Paragon Therapeutics and target the core mechanisms underlying plaque psoriasis and other dermatologic and inflammatory diseases. We have raised nearly $500M since inception in February 2024 from top-tier investors and our first program is expected to be in the clinic in the first quarter of 2025.  For more information, visit www.orukatx.com

As we build our core team, we're seeking top talent in different functional areas who are not just looking for a job, but an opportunity to be part of something bigger.  Someone who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to establishing an engaged, inclusive, and positive company culture.  

Job Title: Senior Manager/Associate Director Program Management 

Location: Hybrid – Waltham, MA 

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to join our dynamic growing team as we work to set a new standard in treating chronic skin diseases. This role will be pivotal in managing and executing strategies for our research and nonclinical development projects, driving the success of our early stage and development candidate preclinical programs.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in early-stage project management, working collaboratively leading cross functional teams and other to plan, track, and streamline a variety of activities, including project strategy and execution, contract negotiation, and vendor management. This individual must be a highly organized self-starter with a solid understanding of project planning, budgeting, and vendor management necessary for efficient research and development operations. Experience contributing to cross-functional Program Teams and a strong scientific background is important. This position reports to the Director of Program Management.

Our team values in-person collaboration, and we expect this role to work from our Waltham office three days per week. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for developing innovative medicines and is eager to make a meaningful impact. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Working closely with Research & Nonclinical Development leadership, support the entire portfolio across research initiatives including all DC and IND enabling efforts
  • Develop tactical project plans for all R&ND activity leveraging best practices and within the PM function oversee day-to-day operations for Oruka’s Nonclinical projects
  • Provide project management support for pre-DC early-stage programs progressing toward IND submission
  • Collaborate closely with the Program Management Team, serving as the early-stage program manager
  • Coordinate and manage vendors for outsourced R&ND projects
  • Work with Program Management and Nonclinical Team Leads to organize team meetings, develop agendas, capture meeting minutes, and track and follow up on action items
  • Build and maintain project timelines and dashboards, tracking activities and deliverables against strategic objectives
  • Partner with the Finance team to help develop annual R&ND budgets, LRPs and monitor spending
  • Coordinate with the Legal team to track and manage R&ND-related contracts
  • Manage strategic alliances for R&ND collaborations
  • Facilitate interactions with consultants and external partners for early-stage projects
  • Support the team with publication-related activities

Basic Qualifications:

Experience: 7+ years in a similar project management role required, preferably within a research or preclinical function

Education: BS in a scientific or technical field; advanced degrees (PhD, MBA, MS) preferred

Skills:

  • Strategic mindset with a proven track record in developing and executing impactful project plans.
  • Strong understanding of the scientific aspects of projects combined with a focus on flawless execution
  • Strong competency using PM tools like Smartsheet, MSP or others
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present project updates to diverse audiences
  • Effective in a diverse, multi-functional team environment with strong interpersonal skills

Attributes:

  • Self-motivated, action-oriented, and highly organized. Must feel comfortable working independently
  • Collaborative, team-focused, and skilled at working across various disciplines within and outside the company

 Preferred Experience:

  • Prior experience in small companies
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Compensation:

  • An appropriate financial package will be developed for the successful candidate to include a competitive base salary and equity, with a performance-related bonus opportunity.
  • The anticipated salary range for candidates, who will work in Waltham, MA, is $150,000 to $180,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Oruka is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Job Location:

  • Position is hybrid, based in Waltham, MA. Candidates will be required to be in-office in Waltham 3 days/week.

We're looking forward to hearing how you can contribute to our team and mission. Join us in shaping the future of our company and making a real impact every day.

 

Salary Range for the Role

$150,000 - $180,000 USD

What We Offer:

  • A chance to be part of a vibrant small-company culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.

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