Executive Director, PMO

Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. The Kyverna therapeutic platform leverages advanced T cell engineering to suppress and eliminate autoreactive immune cells at the origin of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Be at the forefront of cell therapy innovation by joining scientists, industry veterans and healthcare visionaries and help transform how autoimmune diseases are treated

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead our Program Management Office (PMO). The Executive Director of PMO will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of our diverse portfolio of projects. This individual will lead a team of project managers and work closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of projects aligned with our company's objectives.

The ideal candidate will contribute to our goals of navigating what’s next in synthetic biology, immunology and cell engineering while living our core values: bring intellectual rigor, elevate each other, and stay true to why.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap for the Program and Portfolio Management function in alignment with corporate goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance and direction to program and project managers project teams and cross functional stakeholders to ensure projects are executed effectively and efficiently across the portfolio.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of program and project managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities to stakeholders at all levels of the organization to enhance team capabilities and performance.
• Portfolio Management: Oversee the end-to-end management of the Kyverna portfolio, including prioritization, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Implement analytics methodologies to monitor portfolio progress, identify potential bottlenecks or challenges, and implement proactive measures to ensure successful delivery of Kyverna’s development programs.
• Develop and implement effective resource forecasting tools, analysis, and decision making process.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Clinical, Technical Operations, R&D, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams, to align program objectives with business priorities.
• Ensure clear communication and collaboration between stakeholders to foster a cohesive and integrated approach to project execution.
• Identify issues that require cross functional or cross-program collaboration and work with senior stakeholders to resolve those issues.
• Process Improvement and Governance: Continuously assess and improve project management processes, methodologies, and tools to drive efficiency, scalability, and quality.
• Establish and enforce program governance standards, policies, and best practices to ensure consistency and adherence to quality standards.
• Performance Measurement and Reporting: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness and success of program and project delivery.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership, providing insights into project status, performance, and risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (advanced degree preferred).
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in project management, with a proven track record of successfully leading complex projects in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable project plans.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and drive results under tight timelines and competing priorities.

The salary range for candidates residing in California for this position is  $280,000 to $315,000 annually. This salary range is an estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay for this posted position, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation geographic location, individual education, experience, tenure, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is also eligible for bonus, benefits, and participation in Company’s stock option plan.

Kyverna is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Kyverna is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets