Director, Human Resources – Commercial Operations - Avidity Biosciences

Job Title:

Director, Human Resources – Commercial Operations

Location:

San Diego, CA / Hybrid

Position type:

FLSA:

Full time

Exempt

Department:

Human Resources

At Avidity Biosciences, we are passionate about the impact of every employee in realizing our vision of improving people’s lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics. Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. If you are a committed, solution-oriented thinker, join us in making a difference and become part of our growing culture that is integrated, collaborative, agile and focused on the needs of patients. 

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare muscle diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline, including programs in cardiology and immunology through internal discovery efforts and key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline, and people, please visit www.aviditybiosciences.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Opportunity

The Director, Human Resources will be responsible for proactively guiding all aspects of the human resource functions to support commercial operations and will report to the Vice President, Human Resources.  As a senior level HRBP, this “hands-on” role will provide strategic and tactical input to commercial operations, working with management and employees. They will provide experience and knowledge in employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefit design and the employment process. 

The successful applicant will have experience in biotech organizations that have experienced rapid growth. This role will provide the right candidate with significant authority and influence in the organization, with the immediate ability to impact the Company’s operations. 

What You Will Contribute

• Provide strategic and tactical management of the human resource programs including workforce planning, recruitment/retention, employee relations, compensation, performance management, communication, regulatory compliance and associated technology.
• Work collaboratively with other HRBPs and HR Operations staff to develop and implement HR programs and initiatives that emphasize a performance-based culture and our BeAVID values.
• Actively participate in the implementation, launch and leverage of a new HRMS including automating workflows, approvals, efficiencies, and dashboards that will efficiently provide information to Team and leaders.
• Liaise with the Director, Talent Acquisition, 3rd party talent acquisition partners, search firms and temporary agencies, ensuring the hiring of talent for the business unit. Participate in candidate interviewing and selection as needed.
• Participate in the development and training regarding performance development, interviewing, essential supervisory skills to provide resources and tools for managers.
• Assures current knowledge and understanding of regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable employment regulations.
• Acts as a senior level advisor on human resources issues to business unit leaders and all levels of employees.
• Primarily responsible for US-based generalist; collaborate with cross-functional team as needed for O-US colleagues.
• Other responsibilities as requested.

What We Seek

• BA/BS or equivalent years of experience in Business, Human Resources, or a related field. Minimum of 8-10 years combination of broad-based Human Resources experience with at least 5 in a leadership role within commercial operations.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry required.
• Local presence preferred to have frequent interactions with HR Team and business leaders.
• Ability to recognize, develop and implement innovative talent acquisition programs.
• Demonstrated ability in development and implementing DEI initiatives.
• Experience working for a publicly traded company and knowledge of SOX regulations affecting Human Resource programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of current best practices within the talent acquisition profession in addition to federal, state and local employment-related regulations.
• Knowledge of the trends and methods for attracting and retaining employees specifically in the biotech, pharmaceutical or other related industries.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence a business team; approachable and effective communicator with people across all levels in the organization.
• Strong interpersonal and written, verbal and presentation communication skills, with the ability to develop a high degree of personal credibility across client groups.
• Technology savvy with the ability to implement technology platforms. Must have extensive skills, knowledge and abilities with computers and Microsoft Office applications, and willingness to investigate AI as a value-added tool.
• Prior experience with notable HRMS and Applicant Tracking Systems; prior experience in implementations a plus.
• Ability to “roll up your sleeves” and individually contribute results.

• The base salary range for this role is $200,000-220,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Avidity offers competitive compensation and benefits which includes the opportunity for annual and spot bonuses, stock options and RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, and LTD, and four weeks of time off.
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Avidity employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

Avidity Biosciences

10578 Science Center Dr. Suite 125

San Diego, CA

92121

O: 858-401-7900

F: 858-401-7901