Program Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Massachusetts
Program director roles in Massachusetts are concentrated in Boston's research hospital network, university systems, and biotech corridor, with major employers including Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, MIT, and Biogen. International candidates pursue these senior roles through H-1B visa sponsorship, with the state's dense concentration of mission-driven institutions making it one of the more active hiring markets for this title.
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The Executive Director, Portfolio & Program Management is a global leadership role within the Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) organization. The role is accountable for all program management efforts across the drug development lifecycle and commercialization, including Disease Area Strategy Teams (DST), Program Teams (PT), and research PTs, ensuring end-to-end integration with DST strategy for a subset of Vertex’s portfolio diseases. This role drives organizational design, strategic growth, and operational excellence, with expanded scope to lead multiple disease areas and mentor senior program managers.
This position is based in our Boston, MA location (Seaport area) and requires a hybrid work schedule with 3 days in office / 2 days remote on a weekly basis.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to multiple cross-functional teams, spanning research, clinical, and marketed products.
- Lead and mentor Senior Directors and PPM staff across at least one additional disease area (“player/coach” model).
- Drive synergies and scalability across disease areas, optimizing resource allocation to deliver on Vertex portfolio priorities.
- Set strategy and oversee decision-making for high-priority and complex programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
- Champion organizational design principles to enable agile, scalable teams and career development opportunities.
- Represent PPM on governance forums and with senior leaders, influencing strategic direction and portfolio growth.
- Propose and implement innovative approaches and process improvements to maximize operational excellence.
- Oversee financial and human resource accountability for expanded teams (direct and indirect reports).
- Ensure integration of research, development and commercialization of program management efforts with DST strategy.
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a relevant field.
- Typically requires 15+ years of experience, including 7+ years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, complex teams and programs at a global level.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Deep expertise in portfolio and program management, strategic planning, risk management and resource management across multiple disease areas.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor senior program managers and high-level professionals.
- Advanced business management and financial acumen to drive value creation.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Pharmaceutical drug discovery and development expertise across disciplines.
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
Pay Range:
$260,800 - $391,200
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
- Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
- On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
LI-Hybrid
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Job Description
The Executive Director, Portfolio & Program Management is a global leadership role within the Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) organization. The role is accountable for all program management efforts across the drug development lifecycle and commercialization, including Disease Area Strategy Teams (DST), Program Teams (PT), and research PTs, ensuring end-to-end integration with DST strategy for a subset of Vertex’s portfolio diseases. This role drives organizational design, strategic growth, and operational excellence, with expanded scope to lead multiple disease areas and mentor senior program managers.
This position is based in our Boston, MA location (Seaport area) and requires a hybrid work schedule with 3 days in office / 2 days remote on a weekly basis.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to multiple cross-functional teams, spanning research, clinical, and marketed products.
- Lead and mentor Senior Directors and PPM staff across at least one additional disease area (“player/coach” model).
- Drive synergies and scalability across disease areas, optimizing resource allocation to deliver on Vertex portfolio priorities.
- Set strategy and oversee decision-making for high-priority and complex programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
- Champion organizational design principles to enable agile, scalable teams and career development opportunities.
- Represent PPM on governance forums and with senior leaders, influencing strategic direction and portfolio growth.
- Propose and implement innovative approaches and process improvements to maximize operational excellence.
- Oversee financial and human resource accountability for expanded teams (direct and indirect reports).
- Ensure integration of research, development and commercialization of program management efforts with DST strategy.
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a relevant field.
- Typically requires 15+ years of experience, including 7+ years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, complex teams and programs at a global level.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Deep expertise in portfolio and program management, strategic planning, risk management and resource management across multiple disease areas.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor senior program managers and high-level professionals.
- Advanced business management and financial acumen to drive value creation.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Pharmaceutical drug discovery and development expertise across disciplines.
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
Pay Range:
$260,800 - $391,200
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
- Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
- On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
LI-Hybrid
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Program Director Job Roles in Massachusetts
See all 61+ Program Director Jobs in Massachusetts
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Search Program Director Jobs in MassachusettsProgram Director Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for program directors in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, MIT, Boston Children's Hospital, Biogen, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are among the employers with documented H-1B sponsorship histories for program director roles. Large academic medical centers and research universities tend to be the most consistent sponsors, as these institutions regularly hire internationally for senior program management positions across clinical, research, and administrative functions.
Which visa types are most common for program director roles in Massachusetts?
The H-1B is the most common visa for program directors in Massachusetts, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Some university-affiliated positions may also qualify under J-1 visa exchange visitor status. Candidates already holding O-1 visas for extraordinary ability occasionally pursue program director roles at research institutions, particularly in the life sciences sector.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most program director sponsorship jobs?
Boston and Cambridge account for the large majority of program director sponsorship opportunities in the state, driven by the concentration of academic medical centers, research universities, and biotech firms in those cities. Worcester is a secondary hub, with UMass Memorial Health and Worcester Polytechnic Institute among active employers. Springfield and Lowell have smaller but present nonprofit and healthcare institutions that occasionally sponsor for senior program roles.
How to find program director visa sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate filters program director jobs specifically by employers with active visa sponsorship histories, saving you from manually screening hundreds of postings. For Massachusetts, the platform surfaces openings across Boston's hospital networks, Cambridge's research institutions, and the state's biotech corridor. Because program director is a senior title, filtering by sponsorship history is especially useful, as not every employer willing to hire internationally will sponsor at this level.
Are there state-specific considerations for program directors seeking sponsorship in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employers sponsoring H-1B workers are subject to Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements, which reflect the state's generally higher cost of living relative to national averages. Boston's academic medical centers and research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B filers, meaning they can file petitions year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. Candidates with degrees from international universities should confirm their credentials are evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, as this affects specialty occupation eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored program director jobs in Massachusetts?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.