Please note that this position is based in Princeton, NJ. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.
Position Summary
Serves as a strategic partner to C-suite and senior executive leadership by delivering high-level administrative support that enables operational efficiency and executive effectiveness. Exercises sound judgment and autonomy in managing complex, confidential matters and navigating dynamic priorities. Maintains critical records and communications with discretion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and executive priorities. Supports the Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer with administrative and operational coordination related to business development activities, including partnerships, licensing, M&A, and strategic collaborations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manages deal-related calendars, timelines, and milestones, ensuring alignment across internal stakeholders (Legal, Finance, R&D, Commercial) and external partners.
- Coordinates logistics and materials for due diligence meetings, partner meetings, investor discussions, and confidential strategy sessions, including preparation of briefing documents and meeting summaries when needed.
- Assists in tracking and organizing business development pipelines, partner engagement activities, and key deliverables, ensuring timely follow-up and information flow.
- Serves as a trusted point of contact for external partners, advisors, bankers, consultants, and legal counsel, reinforcing professionalism and discretion in all interactions.
- Supports the preparation and organization of deal decks, executive summaries, term sheet materials, and Board-level documentation, working closely with cross-functional partners.
- Maintains highly confidential records related to strategic initiatives, transactions, and negotiations, ensuring accuracy, version control, and secure access.
- Manages the delivery of high-impact administrative support for executive leadership, managing complex priorities with agility and precision.
- Manages highly confidential business and personnel matters with discretion and sound judgment, serving as a trusted liaison between executives and internal/external stakeholders.
- Optimizes executive time and effectiveness through proactive calendar management, coordination of high-priority meetings and conferences, and travel planning aligned with business priorities.
- Maintains and manages secure records related to strategic initiatives, transactions, and negotiations, ensuring accuracy, version control, and appropriate access.
- Maintains strategic calendars of key events, including investor, scientific, and industry conferences, as well as internal initiatives; partners cross-functionally to support logistics and execution.
- Manages logistics for functional on-site and off-site meetings, ensuring all participants are informed and prepared.
- Oversees expense reconciliation and reporting through Concur and related systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
- Collaborates with internal departments to facilitate contracts, statements of work, purchase orders, and service agreements that support departmental objectives.
- Provides backup coverage for administrative colleagues and front desk reception during peak periods or absences to ensure continuity of operations.
- Contributes to cross-functional initiatives and administrative best practices, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience/Skills
- High school diploma required; degree preferred. Targeting a minimum of 6 years of progressive administrative experience supporting senior executives, ideally within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Key Skills:
- Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and preparing executive-level presentations and materials.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to independently manage complex tasks from initiation through completion.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and synthesize complex information.
- Exceptional professional ethics, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and making informed decisions with limited information.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Physical Requirements
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs.
In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.
Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.