Director, Strategic Initiatives

The Role
We are looking for someone who can step in as a direct extension of the CEO — independently owning and executing the external strategic work that keeps Orum visible, connected, and positioned for its next phase of growth. This is not a support role. This is a build role.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO to define, scope, and execute high-priority strategic initiatives  then run them independently
• Translate strategic direction into actionable plans with clear milestones, owners, and measurable outcomes
• Build new organizational capabilities where no existing function currently owns them
• Serve as the day-to-day owner so the CEO is informed
• Develop and manage strategic relationships across Korean and global biotech — government, industry associations, KOLs, early stage VCs, and pharma partners
• Represent Orum at industry/investor conferences, Korea biotech forums, and global partnering meetings
• Strengthen Orum's visibility and positioning within the Korean and global biotech community
• Leverage your existing network to open doors and create opportunities Orum doesn't yet have access to
• Establish a sustainable Korea market intelligence process covering scientific, clinical, commercial, and market dynamics to support opportunistic new strategic initiatives
• Deliver concise, executive-level market intelligence outputs that feed directly into strategic planning positioning
• Build repeatable tools and processes so the capability outlasts the build phase

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in life sciences; hands-on drug development experience (IND, clinical, or preclinical) strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of building ecosystems, partnerships, or capabilities from scratch — not just maintaining existing operations
• Deep network in Korean biotech, academia, and/or global VC/pharma BD circles
• Comfortable operating as an individual contributor in an ambiguous, resource-constrained environment — no team, no institutional brand behind you
• Proven ability to translate scientific and strategic concepts for diverse stakeholders: investors, pharma partners, government, academia
• Strong project management discipline — can own complex initiatives end-to-end without close supervision
• Bilingual Korean/English required; China connectivity a plus
• Seoul or Daejeon-based; hybrid model; business travel as needed — no restrictions for genuine business needs

What We're Looking For

• A builder — energized by creating something from zero; loses interest when things are on autopilot, and that's exactly what this role needs
• Strategic — connects external signals to internal priorities; sees around corners and brings the CEO the right information at the right time
• Networked — has existing relationships across K-biotech, global pharma, and VC that can be activated on day one
• Independent — takes ownership of initiatives and drives them to completion without close supervision; comfortable with ambiguity and a flat structure
• A communicator — bilingual, cross-cultural, and able to represent Orum credibly to investors, government, academia, and industry partners alike

Unable to work with third-party candidates or agencies. Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation.

Orum Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).