Sr. Director, Alliance Management

Role Summary

The Senior Director, Alliance Management leads strategic collaborations to ensure Acadia has access to a pipeline of targets, assets, translational capabilities, and technologies, aligning alliance activities with the company’s business strategy. They establish and oversee partnership and integration management, coordinate internal and external communication, monitor milestones, and guide governance structures across a diverse alliance portfolio. The role requires strong communication, cross-cultural influence, and contractual understanding, with accountability for risk management and partner satisfaction. This position can be based in Princeton, NJ or San Diego, CA and requires a hybrid schedule of three days in the office on average.

Responsibilities

• Manage a significant portfolio of alliances toward agreed milestones and outcomes
• Develop, suggest, and champion new alliances aligned with strategy
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment between collaborations and portfolio management processes for maximal portfolio impact
• Work with Finance and Business support functions to ensure budget and resource allocation
• Plan and execute alliances reviews successfully
• Ensure relevant contracts related to alliances are managed and cross-functional teams operate in full compliance
• Lead contract amendment negotiations and generate repeat business with existing partners
• Maintain close dialogue with key stakeholders at universities and biotech companies
• Represent Acadia in external organizations and steering committees related to university, biotech, and pharma collaborations

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MD required within medicine, science, pharmacy or similar
• 10+ years’ experience in alliance/partnership management in pharmaceutical or biotech industry with a proven track record in cross-organizational and cross-cultural collaboration
• Knowledge of and experience in multiple functions within pharma or biotech industry
• Excellent intercultural awareness and diplomacy skills
• Strong networking and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High personal integrity and ambassadorial credibility for Acadia as Partner of Choice
• Knowledge and experience managing projects along the value chain and managing upwards
• Fully fluent in English (written and spoken)

Education

• Ph.D. or MD required within medicine, science, pharmacy or similar

Additional Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Regular standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands; ability to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch; occasional lifting up to 20 pounds
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% overnight as required by business needs