Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Development

About the role

Crescent Biopharma is seeking an experienced corporate development leader to build and maintain a comprehensive view of the solid tumor oncology landscape, translate scientific and competitive intelligence into clear portfolio priorities, and identify external opportunities that can strengthen Crescent’s pipeline. You will partner cross-functionally with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to evaluate assets, inform strategic decision-making, and prepare decision-oriented recommendations for the executive team and Board.

Responsibilities

• Landscape intelligence: Build and continuously maintain a comprehensive view of existing and emerging therapies across solid tumor oncology, spanning approved agents, late- and early-stage clinical assets, and preclinical modalities.
• Portfolio matrix: Develop and own a matrix/portfolio view mapping Crescent’s own therapies, partner therapies, and prospective in-licensing targets against tumor types, lines of therapy, mechanisms of action, and combination potential.
• Search & evaluation: Proactively search for, identify, and evaluate potential opportunities (research collaboration, in-licensing preclinical and clinical assets, platform technologies, and research tools) consistent with external BD strategies for advancing Crescent's Oncology pipeline and driving sustainable growth. Review external opportunities for scientific merit and feasibility.
• Prioritization & gap analysis: Identify and prioritize where partnering, collaboration, or asset in-licensing can complete or strengthen the portfolio and articulate the strategic case for each opportunity.
• Data sourcing: Source, validate, and synthesize intelligence from clinical, competitive, and commercial databases to support decision-making (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, primary literature).
• Cross-functional partnership: Partner closely with Research, Clinical Development, Business Development, and Executive leadership to translate portfolio strategy into actionable prioritization and resource allocation.
• Executive communication: Prepare clear, decision-oriented materials for the executive team and Board that communicate portfolio positioning, trade-offs, and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree strongly preferred — PhD and/or MD in a relevant discipline (oncology, immunology, molecular/cancer biology, pharmacology). Exceptional candidates with equivalent depth of expertise and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and critically evaluate the mechanisms of action for oncology therapeutics.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in oncology portfolio strategy, competitive intelligence, business development, translational research, or a closely related function within biopharma.
• Hands-on fluency with clinical-trial, pipeline, and competitive-intelligence databases, and the ability to structure disparate sources into a coherent analytical framework.
• Proven ability to build structured frameworks (matrices, prioritization models) that turn complex scientific and competitive information into clear strategic recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate dense science into decisions for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders alike.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities; able to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• Opportunity to join a mission-driven team where you'll contribute to impactful work, take on varied responsibilities, and grow quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Competitive compensation, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity.
• 100% employer-paid benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability).
• Flexible PTO, including two one-week company-wide shutdowns each year.
• 10 days of sick time per calendar year.
• 16 weeks of parental leave within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child.
• Holiday pay, including FMLA and military leave.
• Access to a 401(k) savings plan and long-term incentive program.
• Commitment to professional development, with access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $290,000 to $320,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, including relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.