Job Title: Chief of Staff, Business Development & Strategy
Reports To: CEO and Chief Operating Officer
Location: Boston or New York preferred; hybrid (part in-person, part remote). Fully remote candidates considered case by case.
We are seeking an experienced Chief of Staff, Business Development & Strategy to serve as a right hand to the CEO and COO across advancing newer pipeline assets toward partnership, in-licensing and out-licensing, financing and corporate strategy, and operational execution across the company. This role is ideal for someone with a background in life science consulting, biopharma strategy or business development, or healthcare banking/investing who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and wants to play a central role in shaping a growing biotech company. For further details about our company, team, and the programs please visit our website.
Responsibilities:Reporting to the CEO and COO, the Chief of Staff, Business Development & Strategy is pivotal within the Core Business Team and works as a right hand to both the CEO and COO, with a seat at the table on major initiatives. The CEO and COO lead the company's deals, financings, and strategy; this role owns the analysis, models, materials, and execution behind them. The right person will take on increasing ownership as they demonstrate impact. The role spans three primary areas: (1) Pipeline Advancement & Business Development-getting newer pipeline assets ready to be out-licensed and supporting the CEO and COO as they in-license and out-license compounds; (2) Strategic & Executive Support-hands-on work spanning financing, investor and partner materials, financial models, and cross-company coordination; and (3) Internal Operations-keeping the company aligned, efficient, and executing, including administrative work as needed. As in any small company, priorities will shift and the role will evolve with the business.
- Pipeline Advancement & Business Development
- Early Pipeline Asset Management: Get Sparian's newer pipeline assets and early-stage ideas ready to be out-licensed, working with the CEO and COO. Build the case for each asset: help shape development strategy and value-inflection milestones, coordinate with SME consultants and vendors on key studies, and develop target product profiles, market assessments, forecasts, models, partnering decks, and outreach plans.
- In-Licensing: Work alongside the CEO and COO to identify, screen, and evaluate external compounds and programs that fit Sparian's CNS strategy. Run scientific, commercial, and IP diligence workstreams; build valuation models; and help shape term sheet negotiation and deal execution.
- Out-Licensing & Partnering: Be the engine behind Sparian's out-licensing efforts led by the CEO and COO-build partner target lists, drive outreach, own the BD pipeline, prepare non-confidential and confidential presentations, coordinate data rooms and diligence, and support negotiations through close.
- Market Intelligence: Track the competitive landscape, deal comparables, and partnering trends in pain, addiction, and CNS. Support Sparian's participation in partnering meetings and industry conferences.
- KOL Network & Scientific Intelligence: Manage Sparian's network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and scientific advisors. Set up and coordinate regular KOL calls and advisory discussions so the CEO, COO, and team stay current on the science in the field, capture key insights, and translate them into input for pipeline strategy and business development.
- Strategic & Executive Support
- Financing & Fundraising: Serve as a core member of the financing team, working with the CEO and COO on equity financings and non-dilutive funding (e.g., NIH/NIDA grants and contracts). Prepare investor materials, manage data rooms, and coordinate investor outreach and follow-up.
- Decks & Financial Models: Build and maintain corporate presentations, board materials, and financial and operating models, including budgets, scenario analyses, and asset valuations.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Help the CEO and COO set company priorities, manage goals, and ensure follow-through on key initiatives. Track progress through OKRs, KPIs, or other milestone frameworks.
- Executive Leverage & Coordination: Prepare the CEO and COO for engagements with partners, investors, board members, and other stakeholders. Coordinate cross-functional workstreams, drive follow-through on decisions, and manage special projects on their behalf.
- External Liaison: Serve as a point of contact for partners, investors, Key Opinion Leaders, consultants, and CROs on behalf of the CEO and COO when appropriate. Ensure external engagements are well-prepared, strategic, and followed through effectively.
- Internal Operations
- Operational Oversight: Drive operational excellence by improving internal workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and managing cross-functional projects across scientific, legal, regulatory, and operational functions.
- Internal Communication & Meeting Cadence: Act as a communication hub between executives and the broader team. Own executive scheduling and meeting preparation so time is focused on the highest-value activities and meetings result in actionable outcomes.
- Team & Consultant Management: Support hiring, onboarding, and performance tracking, and help manage Sparian's network of SME consultants and key vendor relationships.
- Systems & Special Projects: Implement internal systems and processes (including identifying where AI tools can make the team more efficient) and lead ad hoc initiatives, including stepping in to fill gaps or accelerate critical projects.
- Hands-On Support: Pitch in on day-to-day administrative tasks as needed, including document and contract management, board and investor meeting logistics, vendor and consultant paperwork, and other operational support that keeps a small team running.
What You Can Expect:
- Integration into the Core Business Team of a growing biotech startup.
- Development of biotech entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experience.
- Close mentorship from the CEO, COO, and subject matter experts-an apprenticeship in how a biotech is built, financed, and partnered.
- Proficiency in early-stage drug development, business development, and corporate finance.
- Work daily with the CEO and COO, with direct involvement in licensing transactions, financings, and board-level strategy.
- A clear growth path: increasing ownership of deals, programs, and relationships as you demonstrate impact.
- Opportunities to address national public health challenges.
Requirements:
- Must be a team player with a collaborative mindset.
- Entrepreneurial spirit: comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities, willing to roll up your sleeves, and able to adapt quickly as needs change in a small company.
- Passion for discovering and developing novel medications for CNS disorders.
- Interest in early-stage drug development and startup culture.
- 3-5+ years of full-time experience in life science consulting, biopharma (e.g., strategy, business development, or program management), healthcare investment banking, or venture capital/healthcare investing.
- Licensing or partnering transaction experience is a strong plus but not required; what matters most is the ability to do the work that gets a program partner-ready (diligence, positioning, models, and materials).
- Strong financial modeling (e.g., forecasting, valuation) and presentation skills; able to independently produce investor- and partner-ready materials.
- Strong science background with an undergraduate degree in biological sciences; Master's, PhD, or MBA preferred.
- Strong organizational, management, communication, and teamwork skills; comfortable engaging with pharma partners, investors, and KOLs.
- Data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Highly proficient with AI tools for research, analysis, modeling, and drafting, with strong judgment about their limitations-verifies outputs, protects confidential information, and knows when expert human review is required.
- Experience in CNS, pain, or addiction is a plus.
Next Steps:
- Visit our website to learn more about Sparian Biosciences.
- Suggested Readings: "Mu Opioid Pharmacology: 40 Years to the Promised Land" by G.W. Pasternak.
- For assistance, contact us at Contact@Sparianbiosciences.com with the subject line "Job Applicant - [NAME]"Top of Form
