Associate Director/Director - Program Management

Company: Marea Therapeutics
Location: South San Francisco
Posted on: December 1, 2025

Job Description:

Job Type Full-time Marea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco with a growing pipeline of first-in-class therapies to address genetically validated cardiometabolic disease targets. Our therapies have the potential to complement existing therapies and serve as transformative treatment options for significant patient populations living with cardiometabolic diseases. Incubated by Third Rock Ventures, Marea completed a Series B financing in June 2024 and is well funded by a syndicate of life science investors including Sofinnova, Forbion, Perceptive Advisors, Xontogeny, venBio, Omega Funds, Surveyor, Alpha Wave and Third Rock Ventures. The company’s lead program is in Phase 2 clinical development (MAR001) and a second program is progressing towards clinical development in a rare cardiometabolic disease. Marea is a fast-growing company looking for extraordinary individuals to join our team who want to make a difference in the lives of millions of people living with cardiometabolic diseases. The company is led by a dynamic team of scientists and company builders with deep knowledge and experience in cardio-endocrine diseases, human genetics, and adipocyte biology. At Marea, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of leading by example. We are a tight-knit team that values the contributions of every member, from interns to senior leaders. Our environment is dynamic, with each day presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Every role is “Hands-On”, and the successful candidate will be able to work alongside team members, regardless of level, to understand challenges and drive results. About the Role The Associate Director/Director, Program Management will have both early and late phase pharmaceutical program management experience that includes knowledge of drug development processes and interdependencies of key functions including research, translational medicine, clinical, regulatory, and CMC. The successful candidate should have strong project management skills, have the highest levels of scientific and ethical integrity, be self-motivated, and enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced biotechnology environment to support the development of transformational therapies for cardiometabolic diseases. This is an full-time, San Francisco based position with the expectation of working onsite at least three days per week. The level of the role will be commensurate with the chosen applicant’s background and experience. Requirements Key Responsibilities Cross-Functional Program Team and Sub-teams Partner with program team leader and other team members to develop the program vision, strategy, and goals/ objectives Lead and develop the cross-functional program plan including key assumptions, realistic but aggressive timeline, budget and resource planning, risk and mitigation assessment, and contingency planning Support and/or run effective program team (and sub-team) meetings, driving toward cross functional alignment and support for the execution of the program plan Partner closely with the program team leader (and research team leader for early development assets) to proactively identify and remove bottlenecks, surface and resolve issues, and help teams through technical and program challenges as they arise Coordinate and reconcile project team inputs to key project documents, e.g., presentations to leadership or the board of directors Promote curiosity, scientific rigor, and excellent problem-solving skills across a fast-paced, performance-driven environment Program Tracking Develop, maintain and update the project plan through the course of the project, ensuring plan is phase appropriate, interdependency-linked, and aligned to program goals/strategic imperatives Manage and maintain complete and high-quality core program information and documents such as minutes, agendas, action items, development plans, integrated timelines, assumptions, dashboards Proactively track and transparently report on program status against approved timeline, goals, and milestones Serve as a central source for cross functional program information across the company including to senior management Assist VP of Program and Portfolio Management with departmental processes, procedures and tools to improve departmental functioning and program management Qualifications Degree(s) in science, engineering, and/or business (e.g., BS, MS, PhD, MD, MBA) or equivalent curriculum. Persons without formal degrees who have comparable depth and breadth of training and experience and meet job-specific criteria may be eligible for consideration 5 years of drug development project management experience with the following experiences a plus: Experience in both mid-large and small start-up companies PMP certification Prior experience in a line function (e.g. research, clin ops, CMC, BD, regulatory) Project management of both early (ED - Ph 1) and late stage (Ph 2-3) programs Rare disease drug development Basic understanding of each of the functional areas on a drug development project team, and of the key deliverables as a project progresses in development Ability to work independently and apply knowledge of project management principles to develop and progress plans, engage and influence team members and functional leaders, and develop proposals to solve day-to-say problems Familiarity with pre-clinical and clinical regulatory requirements and compliance standards Expertise with project planning tools (e.g. Smartsheet, Planisware, etc.) Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation skills, and executive presence Ability to assess the accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness of the work assigned Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions Flexibility and adaptability to work under pressure in a fast-paced early biotech environment with tight deadlines Must be science- and data-driven and have the highest personal values and ethical standards Highly motivated, proactive, enthusiastic and goal orientated to deliver on the success of pipeline molecules and company PAY RANGE The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $240,000. Compensation and title will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the responsibilities of the position. WORKING CONDITIONS Prolonged periods of being at a stationary desk or work computer Ability to occasionally adjust, handle, or move objects up to [20] pounds Transparently and timely communicating with others to exchange information Occasional travel as required to meet business objectives We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. We invite applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. Salary Description $160,000 - $240,000

Keywords: Marea Therapeutics, South San Francisco , Associate Director/Director - Program Management, Science, Research & Development , South San Francisco, California