Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. logo

Senior Director, Talent Development & Engagement

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Full-time
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
$221,000 - $276,800 USD yearly
Human Resources

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Role Summary

Senior Director, Talent Development & Engagement responsible for leading initiatives that enhance employee engagement, recognition, learning, talent management, and wellness. Drives People & Performance efforts to foster a high-performance culture, support organizational change, and develop future leaders. Collaborates with senior leadership, HR, and key stakeholders to implement programs that elevate employee experience, strengthen culture, and align talent strategies with business goals. Oversees P&P communications to ensure clear, engaging messaging across the organization.

Responsibilities

  • Manage talent development and the engagement team
  • Consult with senior management and function leaders regarding talent development and engagement needs
  • Partner with the People & Performance team (HR) and other key stakeholders to develop and promote organizational change and learning initiatives
  • Manage vendor relationships to produce quality outcomes and ROI
  • Leverage data-driven decision making and research to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement in learning, talent, and engagement processes
  • Support organizational transformation initiatives, helping teams navigate change and evolve in a fast-paced, growing environment

Learning and Development

  • Define and develop a scalable, progressive strategy for learning and development tied to business objectives
  • Oversee the design, development, delivery, and management of high-impact Professional Development, Management Development, Career Development, and Leadership Development programs and offerings
  • Create and offer a variety of development solutions, including instructor-led courses, e-learning modules, assessments, coaching, and mentorship, incorporating a blended approach to delivery
  • Creatively develop and implement effective methods to enhance performance and provide growth opportunities to all Acadians
  • Facilitate innovative and dynamic training sessions to individuals and groups of varying seniority
  • Assess overall corporate and leadership learning needs to drive training initiatives
  • Lead and execute development programs for high-potential employees, including emerging leaders

Engagement, Wellness & Communications

  • Lead the Employee Engagement efforts, including administration of all lifecycle surveys (onboarding, exit, pulse, and annual employee experience)
  • Analyze results from employee surveys and develop communications to share results within P&P, executives, and other stakeholders, as necessary
  • Collaborate with the business and P&P leadership to design effective response programs to employee feedback
  • Develop P&P communications and promotional strategies to raise awareness and educate Acadians on P&P initiatives
  • Partner with the corporate communications team to further embed Acadia’s culture through ongoing employee communications
  • Provide the strategy and execution of Acadia’s employee recognition programs administered by P&P, including peer-to-peer recognition and rewards program
  • Establish the strategy and execute employee engagement events across all Acadia locations
  • Manage and plans the execution of all employee events, including the coordination with vendors, stakeholders, speakers, participants, etc.
  • Track event performance and execution, and make recommendations for improvements
  • Lead the company’s wellness strategy while collaborating and partnering with key stakeholders to develop and promote employee wellness and health outcomes
  • Ensure effective use of the wellness budget to drive wellbeing
  • Develop programs and systems that support mental, physical, financial, and cultural well-being

Talent Management

  • Lead the Performance Management program philosophy, process, and supporting resources for goal setting, quarterly check-ins, ongoing feedback, and year-end reviews
  • Conduct annual talent review and succession planning process to assess talent development needs, gaps, strengths, and talent risk within the organization
  • Deliver a scalable individual development plan process that encourages a growth mindset and continuous skill and competency development
  • Design a career path framework that supports individuals with personal and professional development options consistent with their talents and interests

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred. A minimum of 12 years of corporate experience (biotech or pharmaceutical industry preferred); equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience as a leader of a talent development team and corporate initiatives.

Must Possess

  • Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in adult learning principles, delivery methodology, and instructional design of corporate training programs
  • Organizational and time management skills to prioritize workloads to meet time-sensitive deadlines
  • Strong business acumen, able to translate business goals to learning and development strategies
  • Curriculum design, development, delivery, facilitation, and maintenance of company-wide programs
  • Experience with LMS systems; site administration, content development, and curriculum
  • Knowledge of high-performing team building, coaching, and leadership
  • Strong leadership and teaching/facilitation ability
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to manage relationships with internal and external customers
  • Ability to work under pressure in a collaborative environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Proven ability in creating effective training materials
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; initiative, self-motivation
  • Professionalism, integrity, and ability to comply with policy and maintain confidential information
  • Negotiation and influencing senior leaders
  • Ability to align resources and activities to goals
  • Ability to travel up to 25% overnight or as needed
  • Preferred experience or certification with DISC, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Situational Leadership

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands. May require reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining communication. May occasionally lift/move up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules.

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