Director, Regional Ecosystem Lead (San Diego)
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for biotech leaders with a strong network and ecosystem knowledge has grown significantly, with over 25% of biotech companies increasing their external innovation investments in 2025. As a Director, Regional Ecosystem Lead at CSL, you'll be at the forefront of this trend, leveraging your expertise to drive business development and partnerships. With a strong focus on remote work and digital skills, this role offers a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals to make a meaningful impact in the biotech industry. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to thrive in a dynamic ecosystem, with a deep understanding of the biotech landscape and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth.
Job Description
About the Role
The Director, Regional Ecosystem Lead role at CSL is a unique opportunity for a seasoned biotech professional to lead the development of the company's ecosystem in the San Diego region. As a key member of the R&D organization, you will be responsible for driving business development, partnerships, and innovation, ensuring that CSL maintains a strong presence in the biotech ecosystem. This role requires a deep understanding of the biotech landscape, as well as the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including universities, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, and local organizations.The role is remote, with regular travel to the West Coast area, and requires a strong ability to work independently and as part of a global team. As a Director, Regional Ecosystem Lead, you will be expected to provide insights on regional biotech trends, competitive landscape, and innovation hotspots, and to leverage your expertise to drive business development and partnerships.
What You Will Do
- Serve as the key CSL leader within the regional innovation ecosystem, actively sourcing opportunities aligned with all TA strategies and portfolio priorities
- Create new partnership opportunities for GLG presence within each ecosystem
- Maintain and expand strategic relationships with universities, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, and local organizations to amplify CSL's external innovation priorities
- Partner closely with TA Search Leads to conduct regional searches, plan engagements and conferences, and share regional insights and updates
- Serve as a senior member of deal teams occurring in each region, supporting transactions from identification through due diligence and helping lead relationships with external partners through deal close
- Organize and represent CSL at local external innovation events, such as CSL-hosted innovation days, and ensure strong visibility in the ecosystem
- Actively participate as a board member in key industry bodies and associations and pursue board or committee memberships to influence industry direction and strengthen networks
- Maintain intimate knowledge of internal organizational capabilities, priorities, and SMEs and engage internal experts to enhance credibility and reputation externally
- Provide insights on regional biotech trends, competitive landscape, and innovation hotspots
- Work closely with R, BD, and legal teams to evaluate and integrate external assets
What We Are Looking For
- 12+ years of experience in biopharma, external innovation, or business development with a strong regional network and ecosystem knowledge
- Advanced degree required (PhD, MD, or equivalent)
- Proven track record of enhancing Pharma senior leadership presence/reputation as a partner of choice in biotech ecosystems to drive BD deal flow
- Proven ability to source and evaluate external opportunities and lead deal execution
- Strong relationship-building skills with academic, biotech, and investment communities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a global team
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic ecosystem with a deep understanding of the biotech landscape
- Experience working in a remote environment with regular travel
Nice to Have
- Experience working in a similar role in the biotech industry
- Knowledge of the San Diego biotech ecosystem
- Experience with deal execution and partnership development
- Strong network of contacts in the biotech industry
- Experience working with cross-functional teams
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary range ($232,000 - $284,000)
- Incentive compensation and equity
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Remote work stipend
- Generous PTO policy
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
How to Stand Out
- Be prepared to showcase your ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders in the biotech ecosystem
- Highlight your experience working in a remote environment and your ability to thrive in a dynamic ecosystem
- Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements of the role, emphasizing your experience in biopharma, external innovation, or business development
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience in deal execution and partnership development
- Research the company and the biotech ecosystem in San Diego to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the industry
- Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations and be confident in your negotiation
- Look for red flags such as a lack of clarity on the role or expectations, or a lack of transparency on the company culture and values
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