Director, Contracts Counsel

Location: South San Francisco
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients. We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients. The Director, Contracts Counsel will be based in South San Francisco and will play a strategic leadership role in the Legal team, overseeing a broad range of contracts that are essential to our R&D and business operations. The director will be responsible for shaping and executing the contracting function in a way that supports scientific innovation, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. The ideal candidate will have a life sciences background and be skilled at negotiating, reviewing, and streamlining contracts while working in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment. Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities: Drive the development and execution of contracting strategies that support Denali’s research, development, and corporate goals. Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of a wide variety of agreements, including master service agreements, research collaborations, statements of work, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, data sharing agreements, clinical trial agreements, and other vendor or third-party contracts. Be accountable for day-to-day contract workflow, ensuring contracts assigned to you are drafted, processed, reviewed, tracked, and executed accurately in a timely manner. Develop a deep understanding of Denali’s scientific programs and business objectives to build credibility with internal stakeholders and tailor legal guidance accordingly. Serve as a key legal partner to cross-functional teams including Discovery, Development, Manufacturing, Commercial, Finance, and Compliance. Ensure contract terms and structures are aligned with scientific and operational priorities while managing legal risk. Lead efforts to improve and maintain contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and internal processes that enhance consistency, efficiency, and scalability in contracting operations. Summarize key contractual provisions, highlight areas of legal or operational risk, and escalate issues where appropriate to ensure alignment with company policies and risk tolerance. Review purchase order requests, ensure proper contractual support for company purchases, and support the internal financial approval system. Interface with external partners, vendors, and service providers to foster productive company relationships and skillfully and collaboratively negotiate key contract terms, balancing scientific principles and business needs with legal risk. Manage, mentor, and develop direct reports, providing clear goal setting, feedback, and support for professional growth. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence. Qualifications/Skills: J.D. degree from an accredited law school. Active California bar membership in good standing. 10 years experience in contract management or business development in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry, including experience leading a contracts function. Detail-oriented and experienced at records and database management, including use and development of contract management systems and accurate and error-free data entry support. Proven experience processing, drafting, and negotiating basic legal agreements, including statements of work, renewals, amendments, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and research collaborations related to drug discovery. Deep understanding of contract law within the biopharma industry. Skilled negotiator with the ability to communicate contract terms and scientific principles. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a desire to grow and improve existing processes. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across the enterprise. Ability to work with and optimize contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems. Ability to thrive, exhibit agility, and respond professionally to requests in a science-intensive, fast-paced environment within timelines and shifting priorities. Motivated to communicate strategy and report on results to all levels of the company. Salary Range: $235,000.00 to $285,000.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Keywords: , Citrus Heights , Director, Contracts Counsel, Legal , South San Francisco, California