Senior Director, Asset Strategy Leadership & Management

About Athira: Athira Pharma, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for high unmet medical needs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving patients’ lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most. About this role: The Senior Director, Asset Strategy and Management will serve as the matrix leader with program-level accountability for advancing an asset from IND through its full development lifecycle. This role oversees timelines, key deliverables, and cross-functional execution. You will work closely with the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Drug Development Operations, as well as other members of the Senior Leadership team to maintain clear visibility into ongoing work and provide concise updates to the Executive Team. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, organized, and effective at leading in a fast-paced, small-company environment. Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to define strategic objectives and program priorities.
• Lead the development and communication of an integrated, cross-functional program strategy aligned with the organization’s overall goals, including the development of Target Product Profiles.
• Review and assess emerging data objectively to guide the team toward recommendations that identify opportunities, highlight risks, and propose proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support the team in navigating complex deliverables and cross-functional challenges. Maintain accountability for program plans, timelines, and deliverables, partnering closely with relevant internal stakeholders (including Business Development when appropriate).
• Provide cross-functional strategic input and oversight on key clinical and regulatory documents (e.g., INDs, IBs, NDAs, BLAs, MAAs, briefing packages).
• Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings to ensure clarity, alignment, and effective communication across program teams.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the scientific and competitive landscape to assess implications for ongoing programs and inform strategic planning.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices through conferences, literature, and other professional development.
• Contribute to the development of program Go/No-Go criteria and support data-driven discussions with senior leadership by objectively analyzing and presenting emerging information.
• Represent the program in external interactions (e.g., Advisory Boards, conferences, regulatory meetings) that require coordinated cross-functional input.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful program execution.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science and 10+ years of clinical research and clinical program/project management or 5+ years and an advanced degree (MBA, MS, MPH, PharmD, PhD) experience within a biotech, pharmaceutical company, or CRO, including leadership of Phase 2/3 studies.
• Deep understanding of FDA, ICH, and GCP requirements, with demonstrated experience preparing for and supporting regulatory interactions.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional clinical teams and drive operational excellence across clinical operations, biometrics, CMC, regulatory, safety, and medical monitoring partners.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills; able to manage multiple priorities and shift focus as program needs evolve in a fast-paced, small-company environment.
• Exceptional collaborator with the ability to build relationships across internal teams, CROs, and external stakeholders, including investigators and Key Opinion Leaders.
• Comfortable operating in both a leadership and “hands-on” capacity, filling gaps and rolling up sleeves where needed in a lean organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear program updates, timelines, risk assessments, and presentations for leadership and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, make sound judgment calls, and proactively solve complex operational challenges.
• Approx. 10–20% travel required.
• Endorse and promote Athira’s values: People, Perseverance, Transformation, Inclusion, Resourcefulness, Collaboration, and Integrity.

Placement in salary range is dependent upon experience, market rate and internal equity considerations. We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to help you find balance, grow, and thrive at work and in life. Benefits at a glance:

• Company paid medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company paid life and disability benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid time off, 11 paid holidays, year-end holiday closure
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work environment
• Annual Bonus and Stock Options

Athira is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job