Executive Director, Chief of Staff

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Executive Director, Chief of Staff

Full Time Director San Diego, CA, San Diego, CA, US

Salary Range: $230,000.00 To $325,000.00 Annually

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the “Company” or “ADARx”) located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to turning cutting-edge science into life-saving therapeutics. ADARx has developed proprietary RNA targeting platforms and technology for silencing or editing target mRNA. ADARx has a growing pipeline of RNA targeting therapeutics for treating diseases across a range of therapeutic areas including genetic, cardiometabolic, complement-mediated diseases and central nervous system.

Job Description:

The Chief of Staff to the CEO serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, helping translate the CEO’s priorities and vision into coordinated enterprise-wide execution. This role operates across the organization, partnering closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors to drive alignment, accountability, decision-making, and progress against the company’s strategic objectives.

The Chief of Staff will serve as an extension of the CEO, ensuring that critical initiatives move forward, organizational priorities remain aligned, and the CEO has the information, insights, and support needed to make effective decisions. This individual will work across functions including R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, Finance, Legal, People, and Operations. The ideal candidate is a highly strategic, analytical, collaborative, and execution-oriented leader who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, science-driven environment and navigate complex and highly confidential matters with sound judgment and discretion.

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Partner with the CEO to translate corporate strategy and priorities into clear objectives, initiatives, milestones, and accountabilities.
• Drive execution of high-priority, cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the CEO.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor progress against strategic priorities and identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities.
• Prepare the CEO for critical decisions by synthesizing complex information, developing analyses, and presenting clear recommendations.
• Ensure follow-through on key decisions and commitments across the organization.
• Identify organizational gaps, barriers, and opportunities and work with leaders to develop solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Executive Leadership & Organizational Alignment:

• Serve as a thought partner and trusted advisor to the CEO on strategic, organizational, and operational matters.
• Partner closely with members of the Executive Leadership Team to promote alignment, transparency, and accountability.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination across functions.
• Help ensure that enterprise priorities are understood and appropriately reflected in functional plans and resource allocation.
• Support the CEO in preparing for and leading Executive Leadership Team meetings and strategic discussions.
• Participate in select leadership meetings and represent the CEO as appropriate.

Board & Investor Support:

• Partner with the CEO and CFO on preparation for Board of Directors meetings, including agendas, presentations, briefing materials, and follow‑up actions.
• Coordinate cross‑functional input for Board materials and ensure consistency and quality of information presented.
• Track Board decisions, commitments, and follow‑up actions.
• Support preparation for investor meetings, corporate presentations, and other external engagements as appropriate.

Business Operations & Performance Management:

• Develop and maintain enterprise-level dashboards, scorecards, and reporting mechanisms to provide visibility into progress against strategic objectives.
• Analyze business performance and emerging trends and provide insights to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team.
• Coordinate annual and periodic strategic planning processes.
• Support organizational planning, resource prioritization, and critical business decisions.
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives identified by the CEO.

Executive Communications:

• Draft and/or coordinate executive communications, presentations, talking points, and leadership updates.
• Help ensure consistent messaging of corporate strategy, priorities, milestones, and organizational objectives.
• Support preparation for all‑hands meetings, leadership meetings, Board meetings, and other key company events.
• Develop executive‑level presentations and materials that communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives:

• Lead high-priority, time-sensitive, and confidential projects on behalf of the CEO.
• Conduct research, analysis, and due diligence to support strategic decisions.
• Serve as a project leader for initiatives that span multiple functions or require executive sponsorship.
• Step into ambiguous situations, establish structure, and drive initiatives toward resolution.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful execution of critical initiatives.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis.

Required Key Attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, advanced scientific degree, or other relevant graduate degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, consulting, investment banking, corporate strategy, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with C-suite executives and/or senior leadership.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Strong business acumen and ability to understand scientific, financial, and operational information.
• Familiarity with clinical development programs, including key milestones, regulatory processes, cross-functional dependencies, and the broader drug development lifecycle.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, project management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level presentation capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and build strong relationships across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a growth‑stage or publicly traded biotechnology or pharmaceutical company.
• Experience supporting a CEO, Executive Leadership Team, or Board of Directors.
• Experience with corporate strategy, organizational planning, investor relations, or business operations.
• Experience supporting companies through significant growth, financing, clinical development milestones, commercialization, or other major organizational transitions.
• Understanding of drug development, clinical development, regulatory processes, and the biotechnology/pharmaceutical business model.

Compensation:

• This is a full‑time position, Monday‑Friday, occasional overtime.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.
• Equity‑based compensation
• Performance‑based bonuses
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

• United States (Required)
• As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete all post‑offer, pre‑employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check.

Disclosure Statement

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
• Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
• The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.
• Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short‑term or long‑term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.