Director, U.S. Oncology Public Affairs Community Engagement and Advocacy

Job Description

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer—working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed, and empowered to fulfill their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

Gilead’s mission is to discover, develop, and deliver therapies that will improve the lives of patients with life-threatening illnesses worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

Co-lead the development and execution of a comprehensive U.S. Oncology Patient advocacy strategy that aligns with Public Affairs, the Oncology Franchise, and corporate objectives, including Commercial and Medical Affairs launch planning.

Partner across Public Affairs, Medical Affairs, Market Sciences, Clinical Development, Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Regulatory, Market Access, Commercial, and Government Affairs & Policy to ensure advocacy efforts are integrated and aligned.

Build, expand, and maintain trusted relationships with U.S. patient advocacy organizations. Serve as the primary liaison between the company and external advocacy stakeholders, representing the company with transparency, integrity, and empathy.

Maintain bi-directional communication with advocacy groups to identify unmet needs, share Gilead’s perspective, and bring community insights back into internal planning and decision-making.

Collaborate with U.S. Medical Affairs and Commercial teams to ensure a coordinated approach to external engagement with advocacy partners.

Monitor and assess local, state, and federal healthcare policies impacting oncology patients. Engage advocacy groups in advancing health equity initiatives.

Collaborate with Therapeutic, Corporate, and Internal/External Communications to develop and execute external communications plans focused on education and disease awareness, clinical milestones, and advocacy partnerships.

Coordinate with Global Community Engagement & Advocacy leads to align U.S. advocacy efforts with global strategies.

Lead initiatives such as Patient Perspectives Panels and advisory boards to gather key insights that inform cross-functional projects and strategic decisions.

Oversee Gilead’s presence at key patient advocacy events and awareness campaigns, including sponsorships, materials, booths, and employee engagement.

Keep abreast of emerging trends in patient advocacy and incorporate innovative approaches into program design and execution.

Manage budgets and sponsorships in compliance with company policies. Oversee external consultants and project execution.

Coordinate and manage projects with external consultants as needed or appropriate.

Develop systems to track communications, engagements, and initiatives with advocacy stakeholders.

Develop tailored advocacy presentations for diverse audiences and update them to reflect evolving priorities.

Serve as an internal expert on oncology patient advocacy, providing strategic counsel and thought leadership.

Champion inclusive advocacy strategies that reflect diverse patient experiences and perspectives.

Lead training initiatives to deepen employee understanding of the patient journey and advocacy best practices.

Proactively seek out AI tools to compliantly integrate into Public Affairs digital efforts, working to roll out trainings in partnership with the Public Affairs Strategy and Operations team.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 12 years of communications and public affairs experience and strong business acumen, or master’s degree with 10+ years preferred.

Minimum 8 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, with significant experience in oncology-focused patient advocacy and community engagement.

Deep understanding of breast cancer therapeutic landscape.

Proven cross-functional leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

Experience in patient advocacy, community engagement, and issues management.

Strategic thinker who can devise solutions to patient care while working in the framework of a drug development company.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities; able to collaborate effectively with internal customers and cross-functional teams.

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Proven ability to influence senior leaders and external stakeholders through strategic advocacy and compelling communication.

Experience using qualitative and quantitative patient insights to inform advocacy strategy and measure impact.

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to patient advocacy and external engagement.

Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity, with experience designing or supporting initiatives that address disparities in cancer care.

Familiarity with digital platforms and tools for patient engagement, education, and advocacy outreach.

Experience designing and delivering internal training programs to build organizational understanding of patient advocacy principles.

Demonstrated ability to deliver high-impact, patient-centric solutions in a matrixed organization.

Willingness to travel up to 30%.

People Leader Accountabilities:

Create Inclusion – Know the business value of diverse teams, model inclusion, and embed the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.

Develop Talent – Understand the skills, experience, aspirations, and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop, and realize their purpose.

Empower Teams – Connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them accountable. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $191,250.00 – $247,500.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (U.S. Jobs):

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job-related characteristics.

Applicants requiring accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected]
for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the ‘Know Your Rights’ poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Gilead Sciences will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their pay, except in certain circumstances required by law.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinions.

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