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Director Clinical Development Jobs in California

Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Senior or Executive Director, Clinical Development will drive the clinical aspects of late-stage clinical development studies or programs. This person will ...

Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Senior or Executive Director, Clinical Development will drive the clinical aspects of late-stage clinical development studies or programs. This person will ...

... direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the ... Manages the clinical development component(s) in the preparation/review of regulatory documents ...

... direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the ... Manages the clinical development component(s) in the preparation/review of regulatory documents ...

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Director Clinical Development information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$125K

$209.2K

How much do director clinical development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical development in California is $124,981.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of clinical development do?

A Director of Clinical Development oversees the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of new therapies. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders to design and implement clinical strategies. Their role includes protocol development, trial monitoring, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, they analyze trial data, manage budgets, and contribute to the overall drug development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of clinical development?

A Director Clinical Development typically requires an advanced degree in life sciences or medicine, extensive experience in clinical research, and a strong understanding of regulatory guidelines. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, and GCP certification are highly valued. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and effective cross-functional communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure clinical programs are executed efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with organizational goals.

What are the most common challenges faced by a director of clinical development?

Directors of Clinical Development often navigate challenges such as aligning multiple cross-functional teams, managing complex project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards globally. They may also need to address issues related to trial participant recruitment, data integrity, and budget management. Adapting quickly to shifting priorities while maintaining high ethical and scientific standards is crucial. Successful Directors leverage collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and their in-depth industry knowledge to overcome these challenges and deliver impactful clinical results.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Clinical Development jobs in California?

For Director Clinical Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Clinical Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Clinical Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Clinical Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Clinical Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Clinical Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,981 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Senior Director, Clinical Development

Revolution Medicines

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced clinical science drug developer to serve as Senior Director, Clinical Science in support of Revolution Medicines' clinical-stage molecule(s). In this critical role, you will support various clinical science deliverables and enable effective and efficient execution of the clinical development plan for a molecule(s) within its particular indication(s). The scope of activities spans early-stage clinical research to pivotal studies including regulatory submissions. You will play a vital role in leading the clinical science aspects of the Clinical Development Plan (CDP) strategy, driving the development of transformative therapies for patients.

  • Lead clinical science aspects of the clinical development strategy and clinical documentation.

    Represent the clinical development plan on appropriate teams, sub-teams and forums; oversee training of study site personnel, act as primary point-of-contact for questions/enquires regarding the CDP at a program level, oversee the conduct of medical/safety data reviews and study reporting.

  • Potential assignment to complex and high-priority strategic studies for Revolution Medicines' molecules, with expectation to perform responsibilities with independence and clear self-directed leadership.

  • Cross-functionally align efforts seamlessly with scientific, regulatory, and commercial objectives while executing upon the clinical development plan.

  • Lead, mentor, and contribute to a high-performing cross-functional team of clinical development professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

  • Oversee all aspects of clinical trial design and execution, including site selection, patient recruitment, data management, and regulatory compliance.

  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with clinical investigators, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders.

  • Gather, analyze and interpret clinical data, providing strategic insights to inform critical decisions and guide program development.

  • Manage clinical development timelines effectively, ensuring efficient resource allocation and achievement of milestones.

  • Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory trends in the field of clinical development.

  • Potential to manage multiple direct reports.

Required Skills, Experience and Education:

  • A PhD, PharmD or equivalent is required. The years of experience are based on clinical development or similar relevant experience.

  • Minimum 10+ years experience in clinical development required (Pharma R&D experience outside of a clinical development role also considered pending transferability of skills and responsibilities).

  • Extensive experience working with the principles and techniques of data analysis, interpretation, and clinical relevance as related to the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.

  • Experience in independent generation of trial design, protocol writing/ICF (writing or amendment), constructing appropriate CRF and coordinating cross-functionally.

  • In-depth therapeutic area experience/expertise, and relevant clinical trial experience (or clear ability to adapt with transferable skills).

  • Strong knowledge of medical aspects of GCP (Good Clinical Practice), ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use), FDA, EMA and other relevant guidelines and regulations is required.

  • Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently within cross-functional teams involved in the drug development process; proven ability to efficiently integrate multiple perspectives into the CDP.

  • Experience authoring regulatory briefing packs, write responses to Health Authority questions, and proven ability to contribute to strategic approach and cross-functional coordination in support of regulatory activities/interactions.

  • Demonstrated success in driving various aspects of cross-functional study level strategy, e.g. study design, supporting feasibility and timelines/budget projections, protocol amendment requirements. Ability to drive relevant discussion at key internal decision-making bodies/governance.

  • Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships and contribute to interactions with external key opinion leaders to optimize clinical programs (e.g. advisory boards, individual engagements, steering committees, etc.).

    Experience in (or clear ability) investigator engagement to optimize clinical trial conduct. Includes presenting at investigator meetings.

  • Strong orientation to teamwork. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and mentor across a diverse team.

  • Experience in mentoring other clinical scientists. Experience or clear potential as an effective line manager.

  • Expertise in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Superb strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment. Able to recognize trade-off decisions and can determine priorities and goals.

  • Strong written and business presentation skills is required.

  • Passion for innovation and a commitment to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

  • Demonstrated strong leadership presence.

  • Has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility.

  • Anticipates needs, assesses and manages business and organizational risks.

Preferred Skills:

  • Has made significant contributions to clinical development plan conception, conduct and delivery, including successful alignment with scientific governance.

  • Experience in ongoing enhancements/development of core and sub-team processes, structures, systems, tools and other resources in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.

  • Has led clinical development contributions to major regulatory submissions (e.g. (s)NDA, (s)BLA, PIP/PSP, label negotiation, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Accelerated Review) is a major plus.

  • Proven ability to present the clinical development aspects of a program(s) to key major reference health authorities (FDA, EMA, others.) by teleconference or in-person.

  • Has led Health Authority interaction(s).

  • Proven ability to set out the clinical development strategy for CTA/EC submissions and responses to health authority questions.

  • Has demonstrated collaborate behaviors on enterprise-level strategic initiatives with a variety of internal and external partners and stakeholders - including clinical investigators/clinicians, scientists and key opinion leaders (KOLs), as well as internal groups, including other groups in development, research, business development, commercial, legal, etc. - resulting in demonstrable outcomes that have further enhanced strategic goals.

  • Influential and inspiring leader, with proven ability to bring teams and individuals along with them.

  • Has demonstrated courage and conviction in past positions and responsibilities. Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution. 

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