Director, Talent Acquisition

Job Title:

Director, Talent Acquisition

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, Talent Acquisition will be responsible for proactively managing the talent acquisition function for the Company. This role will be operationally accountable for refining systems and processes from staffing planning, candidates sourcing, interview training and process, managing 3rd party talent acquisition partnerships, to candidate selection through onboarding. In addition, the Director, Talent Acquisition will play a key role in the implementation and leveraging of a new ATS. This position will work cross-functionally with the HR Business Partner organization as well as divisions such as G&A, Research, Development and Commercial Operations, as needed.

What You Will Contribute

• Provide strategic and tactical management of the talent acquisition function including staffing planning through to onboarding; ensure alignment with business priorities across all divisions for scalable and sustainable growth.
• In collaboration with the HRBP colleagues and business leaders, drive measurable outcomes in line with the staffing plan, to meet current and future talent management strategy, including DEI initiatives.
• Actively participate in the implementation, launch and leverage of a new Applicant Tracking System including automating workflows, approvals, efficiencies, and dashboards.
• Leverage and manage 3rd party partnerships with talent acquisition firms, search firms and temporary agencies, ensuring high performance teamwork.
• Develop enhanced systems, resources and tools for hiring managers; and refine interviewing training programs.
• Offer proactive expertise on current and upcoming talent trends that impact our talent strategy or business, including the on-going evaluation of integrating AI into the overall talent acquisition function.
• Develop and track TA metrics that help assess, analyze, and understand our talent pipeline, build in assessment for areas of strength and areas of development for continuous improvement.
• Evaluate employer brand strategy as it relates to talent acquisition including workplace awards and acknowledgements, social media presence in collaboration with Corporate Communications.
• Primarily responsible for US-based recruiting systems and processes; collaborate with cross-functional team as needed for O-US staffing. Participate in candidate interviewing and selection as needed.
• 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 years of talent acquisition experience at a management level, including interactions with senior management and HR colleagues.
• 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 $195,700-215,000. 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