Sr Director, Public Affairs, External Affairs
About The Position
At Gilead our pursuit of a healthier world for all people has yielded a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary improvements in HIV treatment and prevention as well as advancements in therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. We set and achieve bold ambitions in our fight against the world’s most devastating diseases, united in our commitment to confronting the largest public health challenges of our day and improving the lives of patients for generations to come. Gilead is looking for a Senior Director of Public Affairs, External Affairs to develop and deliver structure public affairs and stakeholder engagement plans which support U.S prioritized objectives. They will promote communications campaigns to promote an external environment that enables growth for Gilead’s U.S. business. They will lead the development and execution of clear, compelling communications that will create air cover and drive U.S. federal and state public policy priorities. This role blends strategic communications leadership with hands‑on content development, ensuring that complex policy topics are translated into accessible, persuasive campaigns and narratives that advance Gilead’s reputation and policy objectives. The successful candidate will oversee the full lifecycle of communications - everything from planning production to performance - while serving as a critical connector across Public Affairs, Commercial and Government Affairs. This role reports to the Vice President, Corporate & Enterprise Communications.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in social media, digital communications, or content strategy.
- Strong understanding of key Beltway publications, policy media ecosystems, and digital/social media targeting capabilities to effectively reach policymakers, influencers, and specialized audiences
- Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on content creation.
- Comfortable supporting senior leaders in high-visibility, high-stakes environments.
- Exceptional written, visual and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally, collaborate and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Knowledge of the regulatory, political, or social responsibility landscapes impacting business and reputation.
- Excellence in translating policy and complex science into compelling, credible narratives.
- Bachelor’s Degree and 14+ years of experience, or Master’s Degree and 12+ years of experience
Nice To Haves
- Background in public affairs, corporate communications, reputation management, consulting, political campaigns, PR agencies or government relations.
- Experience in a global or highly matrixed corporate environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute proactive, integrated public affairs communication strategies and content that articulate and support Gilead’s legislative, regulatory and public policy objectives, ensuring alignment with Gilead’s enterprise priorities and reputation goals and key groups including government affairs, commercial, policy and communications.
- Translate complex policy topics into accessible, persuasive narratives for external audiences, including policymakers, advocacy organizations, community groups, trade associations, think tanks, and media.
- Monitor and synthesize public affairs developments to inform proactive communication planning.
- Identify opportunities, venues and creative communications tactics to meet Gilead’s objectives.
- Strengthen message discipline, ensuring alignment across Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Legal, and functional partners.
- Advise senior leaders and internal partners on best practices and creative ways of communicating and activating campaigns to create a favorable operating environment.
- Ensure Public Affairs communication efforts complement Government Affairs’ policy, trade, and coalition building strategies.
- Support the development of content for policymakers, advocacy groups, NGOs, and external experts, ensuring clarity, credibility, and alignment with enterprise priorities.
- Identify and shape opportunities to amplify Gilead’s voice in policy discussions through earned, owned, and shared channels – via working with third parties, advocates, and creating coalitions.
- Partner with enterprise communicators to ensure consistency across therapeutic, corporate, and reputation driving messaging.
- Support issue monitoring and response related to emerging risks and evolving narratives that may impact Gilead’s reputation; contribute to scenario planning, response materials, and executive communications.
- Ensure policy-relevant issues are integrated into broader corporate reputation strategies in coordination with Public Affairs Leadership.
Benefits
- This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
- Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
- Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
