Associate Director, Project Management

About Lakefront Biotherapeutics Lakefront Biotherapeutics is a global biotech with offices in Belgium, Chicago, and San Francisco, focused on building a differentiated immunology and inflammation pipeline to address serious diseases with high unmet medical need. Our pipeline is anchored by T‑cell engager programs, led by a potential first‑in‑class clinical asset and complemented by an exciting preclinical portfolio in autoimmune disease. The Opportunity Lakefront Biotherapeutics is looking for a collaborative Associate Director, Project Management to help drive early development programs, with an expected focus on Phase I/II clinical development in autoimmune diseases. This hands‑on matrix leadership role will partner closely with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, and functional leads, integrating inputs across CMC, Research/Preclinical, Translational Medicine, Regulatory, Safety, Biometrics, Finance, and external partners. What You’ll Do Drive day‑to‑day project management planning and coordination for one or more early development programs, with primary emphasis on Phase I/II clinical development activities. Partner with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, and functional leads to build and maintain integrated development plans, program timelines, milestone maps, critical path analyses, risk/issue logs, action trackers, and decision logs. Facilitate cross‑functional program and study team meetings, including agenda‑setting, pre‑read coordination, decision capture, action follow‑up, and escalation of key issues. Guide cross‑functional teams through competing priorities and ambiguity by building trust, clarifying ownership, encouraging balanced input, and driving alignment around decisions and next steps. Coordinate with CMC, Research/Preclinical, Translational Medicine, Regulatory, Safety/Pharmacovigilance, Biometrics, Data Management, Quality, Finance, and external partners to ensure program plans are integrated and interdependencies are visible. Support clinical execution planning and governance activities, including study team coordination, vendor and CRO milestone tracking as appropriate, key deliverables, and readiness for internal decision points. Proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints; partner with the Sr. Director, Project Management and functional leaders on mitigation options and timely escalation. Prepare concise program updates, dashboards, and materials for leadership, governance, partnership, and board discussions as requested. Contribute to fit‑for‑purpose PM processes, templates, and tools that support a lean startup environment without adding unnecessary complexity. What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, PharmD, or MBA) is a plus but not required if relevant experience is present. 8+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, including 5+ years in project/program management or closely related drug development roles. Hands‑on experience supporting clinical development programs is required; early clinical development experience, including Phase I/II programs, is strongly preferred. Experience in autoimmune diseases is preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence matrix teams without direct authority, with strong emotional intelligence, listening skills, facilitation, conflict resolution, and written/verbal communication skills. Proven ability to create alignment among diverse stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and keep teams focused on high‑impact activities and timely decisions. Working knowledge of clinical development, clinical operations, and development governance, with the ability to understand and integrate cross‑functional inputs into practical program plans. Cross‑functional experience across CMC, Research/Preclinical, Translational Medicine, Regulatory, Safety/Pharmacovigilance, Biometrics/Data Management, Quality, Finance, and/or external partners is a plus. Background in biologics or antibody‑based therapeutics is a plus. Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, early‑stage company environment where priorities may evolve and processes must be appropriately scaled. Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to balance rigorous project management discipline with pragmatic execution and team flexibility. Skillful in relevant project management tools and methodologies, such as Gantt charts, MS Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OnePager, Power BI, integrated portfolio management, and/or PPM platforms. Prior direct people management experience is helpful but not required; successful matrix leadership and team facilitation are essential. Compensation and Benefits Base compensation for this position ranges from $180,000 – $200,000. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job‑related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Lakefront Biotherapeutics’ performance bonus plan. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life. Equal Employment Opportunity Lakefront Biotherapeutics is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job. #J-18808-Ljbffr