Blackbird - Director/Senior Director, Clinical Development Strategy and Operations

Company: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc
Location: Boston
Posted on: March 22, 2025

Job Description:

Blackbird - Director/Senior Director, Clinical Development Strategy and OperationsAbout Raven:We are Raven, RA Capital's healthcare incubator. From discovery to delivery, whether we incubate, accelerate or rejuvenate, Raven's goal is to turn scientific breakthroughs into transformative therapies and get them quickly, safely and efficiently to the patients that need them most. Raven's experienced scientists, operators, and healthcare innovators have deep sector expertise across therapeutics, diagnostics, devices and services. They have brought hundreds of therapeutics into development, managed hospital systems, optimized clinical trials and navigated payor and regulatory systems to deliver patient impact - and they are ready to work with you.About RA Capital:Founded in 2004, RA Capital Management is a multi-stage investment manager dedicated to evidence-based investing in public and private healthcare, life sciences, and planetary health companies. RA Capital creates and funds innovative companies, from private seed rounds to public follow-on financings, allowing management teams to drive value creation from inception through commercialization and beyond. RA Capital's knowledge engine is guided by our Tech Atlas internal research division, and Raven, RA Capital's company building team, offers entrepreneurs and innovators a collaborative and comprehensive platform to explore the novel and the re-imagined. RA Capital has more than 150 employees and over $10 billion in assets under management.About Blackbird:Blackbird is an integrated development team comprised of Clinical Development, Operations, Regulatory and Patient Engagement within Raven Venture Capital, part of RA Capital Management. Blackbird's mission to transform clinical trial planning and execution, resulting in lower costs and expedited timelines across RA Capital's portfolio.About the Role:The Director/Senior Director, Development Strategy and Operations will play a key role in supporting Blackbird's mission to drive innovation and operational excellence in clinical trial execution. Reporting to the VP of Development Strategy and Operations, this individual will take a strategic and hands-on approach to improving trial operations across RA Capital's portfolio, identifying and implementing best practices, and supporting the execution of clinical programs at various stages of development.This role will also include serving as a Clinical Development Operations Lead for Raven new companies as needed, helping to build strong operational foundations and guide early development strategy. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who is comfortable working at all levels-from the operational details of trial execution to high-level strategic interactions with Boards and C-suite executives. They must also be highly skilled at influencing without direct authority, effectively guiding portfolio companies and stakeholders while respecting their autonomy.Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational insights and recommendations to improve trial efficiency and execution across the RA portfolio.
• Support portfolio companies by offering guidance on clinical operations strategy, vendor selection, trial design considerations, and executional best practices.
• Contribute to the refinement and implementation of data-driven approaches to optimize study design, site engagement, and patient enrollment strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging clinical trial methodologies and technologies, evaluating their potential impact on trial execution.
• Serve as Clinical Development Operations Lead for select Raven new companies, helping to establish operational strategy and executional frameworks in early-stage development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and portfolio company teams to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote operational excellence.
• Support companies in navigating key clinical development challenges by providing strategic input and operational expertise in a consultative capacity.
• Maintain strong relationships with portfolio companies, offering insights and support as needed while respecting each company's autonomy.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels, from study teams to executive leadership and Boards of Directors, to drive alignment on development strategy and execution.
• Influence without direct authority by leveraging expertise, strategic insights, and strong relationship-building skills to guide decision-making across portfolio companies.
• Support the overall strategic alliance strategy by maintaining strong relationships with key vendors and identifying new potential service providers to enhance clinical trial execution.
• Evaluate and assess vendors for their ability to meet the evolving needs of portfolio companies, ensuring access to high-quality partners while fostering ongoing collaboration.
• Monitor industry trends to proactively identify innovative vendors and emerging technologies that could add value to clinical development operations.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of best-in-class clinical operations frameworks, tools, and playbooks to drive efficiency across the portfolio.
• Support initiatives to streamline clinical trial processes, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring high-quality execution.Candidate Profile:We're looking for a strategic and execution-oriented leader who enjoys problem-solving and driving operational innovation in biotech.Experience & Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in Clinical Operations and/or Clinical Development Strategy, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role within biotech or pharma.
  • Strong background in clinical trial execution, vendor management, and operational strategy, preferably in a startup or high-growth biotech environment.
  • Experience working with early-stage companies and supporting trial execution from first-in-human through later-stage development.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate, select, and manage vendors, ensuring operational excellence across clinical programs.
  • Ability to navigate complex clinical development landscapes, offering tailored support while respecting the unique needs of each company.
  • Hands-on Problem Solver - Comfortable working across all levels, from day-to-day trial operations to high-level strategic discussions with Boards and C-suite executives.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinker - Can assess operational challenges and develop pragmatic, data-driven solutions.
  • Strong Execution Skills - Hands-on approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results.
  • Excellent Relationship Management - Builds trust and credibility with portfolio companies, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Influence Without Authority - Effectively guides and aligns stakeholders through expertise, relationship-building, and strategic insights rather than direct control.
  • Entrepreneurial & Adaptable - Thrives in an evolving environment and brings a problem-solving mindset to ambiguous situations.
  • Collaborative & Supportive - Works well with internal and external teams, offering guidance and insights without overstepping.Why Join Blackbird?
    • Opportunity to shape the future of clinical operations and contribute to the success of innovative biotech companies.
    • High-impact role with broad exposure to multiple cutting-edge clinical programs, companies and modalities.
    • Collaborative, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities for professional growth.
    • Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of strategic deliverables while also collaborating across highly experienced and diverse teams.What We Will Offer You:
      • Empowerment. At Raven, we empower you to make a real impact.
      • Resources. We'll offer you the resources you need to be successful.
      • Expertise. Raven's experienced scientists, operators, and healthcare innovators have deep sector expertise.
      • Growth. Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, and access to resources.
      • Best in class benefits. Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision coverage.
      • Collaborative Culture. A vibrant work environment with an opportunity to learn from a team of high-caliber scientific and business leaders.
      • AI Tools and Resources. RA Capital is looking for people who are proactive about using AI where possible.
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Keywords: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc, Boston , Blackbird - Director/Senior Director, Clinical Development Strategy and Operations, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts