VP, Program Leader

When our people share why they joined Rapport and love it here, it comes down to three things: the science, the mission, and the team. At Rapport, we’re driven by a passion for developing precision neuromedicines with the potential for fewer side effects, enabling patients and their families to enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives. And we’re doing this with extraordinary science and awesome people (affectionately called Rapptors).

Our innovative scientific platform is centered on Receptor Associate Proteins (RAPs). RAPs are a component of neuronal receptor complexes, which play a crucial role in regulating receptor assembly and function. This precision approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of small molecule therapies. We are excited about the potential of our lead program, RAP-219. Our first indication targets focal epilepsy with additional clinical trials in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) and bipolar disorder.

The strength of Rapport comes from our Rapptors – who are united by our mission to improve patients lives. We bring the heart and hustle to advance our science forward, always staying true to our core values. We hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as we are!

We anticipate hiring for this role in mid-Q4. This role is located in Boston, MA with an onsite requirement of Monday-Wednesday every week.

Your impact:

Translate compelling science into a clinic-ready programs with the speed and rigor a maturing biotech demands.

Your day-to-day:

• Serve as the single accountable leader for two assigned programs (RAP-641 and one other) from late discovery and IND-filing and through Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials.
• Build and lead cross-functional program teams (Discovery, Toxicology, CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Biostatistics, New Product Planning) to align on target product profile, integrated development strategy, and key study designs that align with corporate goals and regulatory expectations.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs to shape IND-enabling package strategy and pre-IND/IND interactions with health authorities
• Translate preclinical and translational data into clear go/no-go criteria and decision frameworks for governance bodies and the executive team
• Partner with Program Managers to develop and manage integrated program timelines, budgets, and risk registers; proactively identify and mitigate technical, regulatory, and operational risks
• Serve as the primary internal voice of the program in portfolio reviews, board updates, and investor-facing materials, in partnership with Commercial and IR
• Build strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners (CROs, CDMOs, consultants, etc.)
• Mentor junior program management staff and help build program management capability as the organization scales

Must-Haves:

• PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific or clinical field.
• 15+ years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience, with proven leadership in small molecule drug development.
• Significant experience leading cross-functional programs from discovery through IND submission and early stages of development
• Strong understanding of regulatory pathways and expectations for small molecule therapeutics.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong scientific fluency across pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical development, with the judgment to synthesize input from technical experts into clear strategic recommendations
• Track record operating effectively in small, resource-constrained organizations — comfortable with ambiguity and direct execution, not just oversight
• Excellent executive communication skills; experience presenting to senior leadership and boards

What makes Rapport special:

• Every role has meaning. We’re determined to discover a better way for patients, and you’ll feel the passion from the start.
• We are driven to innovate. Exciting science that pushes boundaries and opens new possibilities.
• Your perspective matters. Stick your neck out, share your ideas – we work as a team.
• We have FUN. We hire smart, dedicated, down-to-earth people that you’ll enjoy spending time with.
• Leadership that CARES – about you, your growth + development.
• We're bicoastal. Whether you're in the lab full-time in San Diego or taking advantage of a more hybrid work schedule in Boston – we make the most of our time together.
• Competitive benefits. Including unlimited PTO, a lifestyle spending account, commuting reimbursement, and much more!
• You get to be YOU! Show up as you are and make every day count.

We get it. Compensation is an important part of your offer. You shouldn’t be surprised at the end of the recruiting process, and you should know that your offer is fair and equitable. How do we do this? We tell you about our hiring range now - we expect the hiring range for this role to be $310,000 to $340,000. Our actual offer will reflect a lot of factors including your relevant skills, experience, location, salary market data, and internal equity. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer a pretty great benefits package. We don’t stop here - if you join Rapport, we go to the next level. We share our full salary ranges for every level across our company.

Hybrid Work Environment:

We prioritize in person connection with our fellow Rapptors! Our team members come together onsite at our Boston office Monday-Wednesday to create more opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and connection.

Rapport Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.

CCPA disclosure notice can be found here.