Director, Corporate Strategy

ABOUT LAKEFRONT BIOTHERAPEUTICS

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is a global biotech with offices in Belgium, Chicago and San Francisco, focused on building a differentiated immunology and inflammation pipeline to address serious diseases with high unmet medical need. Our pipeline is anchored by T‑cell engager programs, led by a potential first‑in‑class clinical asset and complemented by an exciting preclinical portfolio in autoimmune disease.

Our lead asset is being developed for severe immune‑mediated diseases, while additional preclinical programs expand the long‑term potential of our R&D pipeline. At Lakefront, we focus on advancing programs with strong biological rationale, clear clinical proof of concept and large commercial opportunities.

Are you ready to transform lives and be part of a journey like no other? We are building a company where science, execution, and accountability matter. Rather than layers of hierarchy, we operate with small, empowered teams that work hands‑on across development stages to move programs forward efficiently and thoughtfully.

We are looking for people who want to contribute directly, who are motivated by solving real problems, collaborating across disciplines, and taking ownership from idea to impact. At Lakefront, every role plays a part in shaping the future of medicines that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients.

If you are driven to improve the lives of patients, energized by execution, and excited to help build a growing company with a strong balance sheet, we look forward to meeting you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is seeking a Director, Corporate Strategy to support the VP, Corporate Strategy in shaping enterprise and portfolio strategy and driving key strategic decision-making across the company. 

This role is designed for a high-impact strategic leader who combines rigorous analysis with strong synthesis, executive communication, and sound judgment in a fast-moving biotech environment. The Director will play a central role in landscape assessment, portfolio planning, evaluation of internal and external opportunities, and preparation of materials for senior leadership and the Board. 

Working closely with senior stakeholders across Strategy, R&D, Finance, and Business Development, this role ensures that strategic priorities are clearly defined, well-informed, and effectively communicated. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

External Landscape & Strategic Insights 

• Identify and synthesize industry trends, competitive developments, and innovation themes in strategic priority areas 

• Develop enterprise-level perspectives on attractiveness and future evolution across therapeutic areas, modalities, and companies 

• Develop and maintain landscape maps of promising areas of investment for our company, as foundational input to business development efforts 

• Lead deep-dive strategic projects assessing risks, opportunities, and strategic fit of areas for potential internal or external investment, including engagement with external experts and key opinion leaders 

Strategy Development & Decision Support 

• Develop frameworks and insights to inform portfolio choices, growth priorities, and capital allocation decisions, reflecting scientific, clinical, commercial, competitive, and other inputs 

• Shape approaches to portfolio planning, including decision criteria and scenario development 

• Support development of enterprise and portfolio strategy through structured analysis and synthesis of internal and external inputs, including recommended areas of future investment 

Board & Executive Communication 

• Develop Board-facing materials, strategic updates, and decision memos 

• Translate complex strategic topics into clear, concise executive communication 

• Partner with senior leadership and Investor Relations to communicate strategic direction 

Cross-functional Collaboration 

• Partner across Strategy, Commercial Assessment, Search & Evaluation, Finance, R&D, and other functions 

• Ensure cross-functional insights are integrated into strategic recommendations 

Strategic Integration & Special Projects 

• Support integration of acquired or partnered assets and capabilities 

• Provide analyses and recommendations for integration planning and synergy capture 

• Contribute to high-priority strategic initiatives as business needs evolve 

WHAT YOU BRING

• 8+ years of experience in portfolio strategy, corporate development, consulting, venture capital, or related field, specifically within the pharmaceutical or biotech industries 

• Strong understanding of scientific, commercial, strategic, and financial drivers in biotech 

• Advanced life science of medical degree preferred (PhD, MD, or equivalent) 

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to structure complex problems 

• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations and Board materials 

• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution 

• High level of ownership, collaboration, and stakeholder management 

• Comfortable operating in a high-visibility, dynamic environment 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Lakefront Biotherapeutics, we are committed to attracting individuals who bring strong expertise, integrity, and a collaborative mindset. We value people who take ownership, work effectively across teams, and want to contribute to meaningful progress.

You will join a highly motivated and supportive team working together to advance our pipeline and strengthen how we operate. As we continue to build and grow, we offer an environment where individuals can develop, take on responsibility, and make a tangible impact.

We provide a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with a dynamic and collaborative work environment designed to support both professional growth and day‑to‑day engagement. Base compensation for this position ranges from $180,000 to $250,000. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time. Additional compensation includes a performance-based annual cash bonus, a new hire equity grant, and eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards the value of which are determined annually at the Company’s discretion. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.