Associate Director, CDx Partnership Program Management

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Associate Director, CDx Partnership Program Management with a proven track record across a substantial portfolio of CDx pharmaceutical partnerships. This individual will serve as a senior Program Management leader, bringing the depth of experience and judgment needed to evaluate, structure, and operationalize complex CDx opportunities. The role operates at the intersection of Program Management, Business Development, Finance, CDx development teams, and pharmaceutical partners to ensure potential deals are feasible, appropriately scoped, and translated into executable programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior Program Management lead and trusted advisor for pharmaceutical CDx partnerships, leveraging deep experience from managing a broad portfolio of complex CDx collaborations.
• Partner with Business Development to evaluate new CDx opportunities before deal execution, assessing feasibility, scope, timelines, resource requirements, risks, and cost.
• Act as a senior external-facing Program Management contact for pharmaceutical partners, building strong relationships and leading effective program governance and strategic discussions.
• Translate partner strategy, priorities, expectations, and commitments into clear direction for internal CDx Program Managers and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain a portfolio-level view across multiple pharma partnerships and CDx programs, identifying cross-program risks, resource needs, financial implications, and opportunities for improved planning.
• Partner closely with CDx Program Managers to ensure alignment between external commitments and internal delivery.
• Identify and escalate gaps between partner expectations, contractual scope, budget, timelines, and development realities before they impact the partnership or program.
• Help establish scalable frameworks, governance models, and best practices to support continued growth of the CDx pharma partnership portfolio.

Qualifications

• Extensive, hands-on experience across a substantial portfolio of CDx pharmaceutical partnerships, ideally with 10+ CDx deals/programs successfully advanced from deal evaluation through execution and delivery.
• Deep understanding of the CDx/IVD development lifecycle, including activities, timelines, regulatory considerations, resources, and costs required to develop and deliver a companion diagnostic.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and operationalizing new CDx opportunities, including scope, costing, budgeting, resource planning, and deal feasibility assessment.
• Significant experience working directly with pharmaceutical partners and senior/executive stakeholders in complex, high-visibility partnerships.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, challenge assumptions, navigate difficult partner discussions, and advise senior internal and external leaders.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, relationship-management, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Advanced degree such as an MBA, MS, PhD, or equivalent in life sciences, business, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management certification preferred.

About Natera

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives. The Natera team consists of highly dedicated professionals from world-class institutions who care deeply for their work and each other.

Pay

Compensation range: $155,700—$194,600 USD. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

Benefits

• Annual performance incentive bonus
• Long-term equity awards
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work-life benefits
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families
• Fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• Commuter benefits
• Generous employee referral program