Director, Talent Acquisition

October 2, 2026
Waltham, MA, US
$220,000 – $242,000/yr

Crescent Biopharma’s vision is to build a world leading oncology company bringing the next wave of therapies for cancer patients. The Company’s clinical-stage pipeline includes its lead program, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, as well as novel antibody-drug conjugates. By leveraging multiple modalities and established targets, Crescent aims to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies as single agents and as part of combination regimens to treat a range of solid tumors. For more information, visit www.crescentbiopharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.

We are seeking an experienced Director, Talent Acquisition to implement and execute recruitment strategies and programs to attract best in class talent. In partnership with the HR team, you will lead and elevate our end-to-end recruiting function during a pivotal period of growth.

You will create and manage talent pipelines, coordinate recruiting initiatives, and leverage relationships with third party search partners. Serve as a strategic partner to hiring managers to drive talent acquisition strategies that attract best-in-class talent to Crescent. This is a high-impact, highly visible role for a seasoned talent leader who thrives in a fast-moving biotech environment and is passionate about building the team behind a transformational oncology mission.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive Crescent's talent acquisition strategy, partnering with the HR team and leadership to anticipate and address organizational needs
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor for talent acquisition
  • Champion Crescent's employer brand externally, ensuring our mission and values are reflected at every touchpoint of the candidate experience
  • Design and implement comprehensive recruiting strategies to build deep talent pipelines across all functions
  • Leverage Lever (ATS) and other digital sourcing platforms to optimize pipeline management and drive informed hiring decisions
  • Analyze labor market data and internal hiring metrics to identify trends, forecast talent needs, and continuously improve recruiting outcomes
  • Partner with HR and Finance teams to ensure alignment with compensation philosophy
  • Advise and coach hiring managers on interview team structure, interviewing techniques, and candidate evaluation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to develop targeted approaches for hard-to-fill, highly specialized roles
  • Establish and continuously refine scalable TA processes, tools, and frameworks that support Crescent's growth trajectory
  • Lead cross-functional TA initiatives and contribute to the long-term strategy of building a best-in-class talent acquisition organization
  • Represent Crescent at talent networking forums

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or equivalent
  • A minimum of at least 8 years of talent acquisition and proven track record of success in TA best practices (Biotech preferred)
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building or scaling a growing biotech or pharmaceutical organization
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage digital platforms including sourcing, screening, and candidate engagement
  • Strong proficiency with ATS platforms (Lever preferred), LinkedIn Recruiter, and digital sourcing tools
  • Deep expertise across the full recruiting lifecycle, from proactive sourcing and pipeline development through offer negotiation and close
  • Proven ability to recruit for senior, highly specialized, and hard-to-fill scientific and operational roles
  • Established network within the biotech/pharma talent community
  • Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership skills, and ability to influence across all levels of the organization
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to join a mission-driven team where you'll contribute to impactful work, take on varied responsibilities, and grow quickly in a dynamic environment.
  • Competitive compensation, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity.
  • 100% employer-paid benefits package.
  • Flexible PTO.
  • Two, one-week company-wide shutdowns each year.
  • A commitment to your professional development, with access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $220,000 to $242,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.

Additional Description for Pay Transparency

The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s savings plan (401(k)). This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program. Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation – Unlimited PTO; Sick time – 10 days per calendar year; Holiday pay, including two Company shut downs; Parental Leave – 16 weeks within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child; FMLA; Military Leave. Additional information can be found - https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/careers/#benefits

Please note

Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Please note, Crescent does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies or recruiters. Submission of a resume without a prior written agreement does not create any express or implied contract between Crescent and the agency. Crescent will not pay any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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