New

Executive/Senior Director, Talent Development & Engagement

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
$251,000—$313,800
vision insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, California, San Diego
12830 El Camino Real (Show on map)
Feb 03, 2026
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson's disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer's disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we're here to be their difference. Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average. Position Summary: The Senior / Executive Director, Talent Development & Engagement leads enterprisewide efforts to build a modern, highperforming, and engaging workplace. This role sets the direction for learning, leadership development, engagement, recognition, wellbeing, and talent systems-ensuring teams have what they need to grow, lead, and do their best work. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this leader collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team, People & Performance, and business leaders to strengthen organizational capability and shape a culture that supports both people and performance. It's a role for someone who enjoys solving complex talent challenges and shaping how an organization grows and evolves. Primary Responsibilities: Lead the talent development and the engagement team (A seasoned team of 3 Associate Directors and 1 Specialist) Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Leadership Team, People & Performance (HR) leadership team, and functional leaders on capability building, culture, and change readiness. Manage budget, vendor ecosystem, and technology; negotiate enterprise agreements and measure value creation. Define and lead the talent development and engagement strategy aligned to business priorities and growth. Leverage data driven decision making and research to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement in learning, talent, and engagement processes. Support organizational transformation initiatives, helping teams navigate change and evolve in a fast-paced, growing environment. Talent Management Lead the Performance Management program philosophy, process, and supporting resources for goal setting, quarterly check-ins, ongoing feedback, and year-end reviews Provide strategic input on talent review and succession planning by identifying critical roles and developing bench strength through tailored training programs Deliver a scalable individual development plan process and career framework that enables internal mobility and skill growth Learning and Development Lead the design, development, delivery, and management of high impact Professional Development and Leadership Development programs and offerings Offer a variety of development solutions including instructor-led courses, e-learning modules, assessments, coaching, and mentorship, incorporating a blended approach to enhance performance and provide growth opportunities Facilitate innovative and dynamic training sessions to individuals and groups of varying seniority Assess overall corporate and leadership learning needs to drive training initiatives Apply learning measurement to demonstrate behavior change and business impact Engagement, Wellness & Communications Lead the Employee Engagement efforts, including administration of all lifecycle surveys Collaborate with the business and P&P leadership to design effective response programs to employee feedback Develop communication and change plans to support transformational change and key initiatives Lead the strategy and execution of Acadia's employee recognition programs Support employee engagement events, across all Acadia locations Education/Experience/Skills: Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Business Administration, or a related field, MBA preferred Senior Director Requirements: Minimum of 12 years' of corporate experience (biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred) Minimum of 5 years' experience as a leader of a talent development team and corporate initiatives Executive Director Requirements: Minimum of 15 years' corporate experience (biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred) Minimum 8 years' experience as a leader of a talent development team and corporate initiatives Experience with Workday is required Experience building and executing talent review and succession strategies is required Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in adult learning principles, facilitation, curriculum design, delivery methodology and instructional design of corporate training programs Proven ability to lead and build high performing teams Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Strong business acumen, capable of translating business goals to learning and talent strategies and initiatives Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and project management skills, able to work well under deadlines in a changing environment and perform multiple tasks effectively and concurrently Ability to develop strong relationships with both internal and external customers Professionalism, integrity, and the ability to comply with strict policy, work in a highly regulated environment and maintain confidential information and data Ability to align resources and activities to achieve functional area and/or organizational goals Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and data visualization tools Ability to travel up to 15% overnight or as needed Prefer experience or certification with programs like DISC, EQ, Hogan, Coaching, and Situational Leadership Compensation Range: Senior Director: $240,000-$275,000 Executive Director: $251,000-$313,800 Physical Requirements: This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs. #LI-MS1 #LI-HYBRID #LI-HYBRID In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location. Salary Range $251,000 — $313,800 USD What we offer US-based Employees: Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages Medical, dental, and vision insurance Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5% Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in 15+ vacation days 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st 10 days of paid sick time Paid parental leave benefit Tuition assistance EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn't exactly what we describe here. It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law. As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia's career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete ourReasonable Accommodation Request Formor contact us attalentacquisition@acadia-pharm.comor858-261-2923. Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment. California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy. Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy. Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbiawithin our Privacy Policy. Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Acadia"). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.