Sr. Administrative Assistant

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.

The Senior Administrative Assistant, Commercial Business Operations (COBO) is a highly trusted, proactive partner providing advanced administrative and operational support to senior leaders and their teams. This role serves as a key liaison to the Vice President of COBO, anticipating needs, managing complex priorities, and ensuring the seamless execution of day‑to‑day operations, special initiatives, and leadership communications.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, discretion, and sound judgment, this individual manages confidential information, drives cross‑functional coordination, and supports critical business processes including content development, vendor and contract management, and financial tracking. The role plays an integral part in enabling a high‑performing, organized, and efficient COBO organization by supporting leadership planning, budgeting, and execution across multiple verticals.

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, highly organized, and thrives in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment. They bring strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to independently manage diverse projects while fostering strong relationships across Commercial, Finance, and cross‑functional teams.

• Oversee the smooth functioning of the COBO office and cultivate a professional, welcoming, and high‑performing environment.
• Manages administrative support for assigned leaders and/or client groups. May back up administrative colleagues during surge activities or absences.
• Manages process to identify objectives, content development with leaders, and assembling organizational monthly meeting slides.
• Handles business/company and personnel details of a confidential and sensitive nature.
• Draft, edit, and manage high‑level communications, presentations, and reports on behalf of the VP of COBO.
• Manages commercial vendor/agency contracts including initiation of contracts, tracking, invoicing, and continual communication with internal owners.
• Lead the development and tracking of COBO budgeting across three verticals by partnering with finance to communicate and track monthly accruals to our quarterly/annual operating plan.
• Manages organization wide plan, progress tracker, and facilitates follow up/communications to ensure the leadership team is advancing towards annual goals.
• Coordinates logistics for on/off‑site meetings and conferences, including high‑priority meetings and other key organizational events.
• Manages travel arrangements for assigned leaders, including domestic and international travel.
• Coordinates and manages calendars for assigned leaders.
• Reconciles and manages expense reports through Concur/corporate credit cards for leaders.
• Prepares scope of work, contracts, purchase order, master service agreements and other department‑related documents. Collaborates with appropriate colleagues and departments to ensure work is accurately completed.
• Support interdepartmental and/or cross‑functional projects and collaborate with other administrative staff to share best practices and coordinate initiatives.
• Performs administration responsibilities and other assignments as directed.

High school diploma; college degree preferred. Targeting 4 years' related administrative experience supporting senior leadership within…