Sr Director, Public Affairs, External Affairs

# 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 of 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 fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

# Job Description

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, and 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 structured public affairs and stakeholder engagement plans that support U.S.‑prioritized objectives. This leader will promote communications campaigns that create an external environment enabling growth for Gilead’s U.S. business. They will lead the development and execution of clear, compelling communications that 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 — from planning to 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.

# Essential Duties and Responsibilities

## Public Affairs Communications & Strategy

– 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 enterprise priorities and reputation goals.
– Translate complex policy topics into accessible, persuasive narratives for 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.

## External Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

– 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 — including partnerships with third parties, advocates and coalitions.
– Partner with enterprise communicators to ensure consistency across therapeutic, corporate and reputation‑driving messaging.

## Issues, Crisis & Reputation Support

– 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.

# Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

– 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.

## Preferred

– 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.

# Basic Qualifications

– Bachelor’s Degree and 14+ years of experience, **or**
– Master’s Degree and 12+ years of experience

# Location

Washington, DC

# People Leader Accountabilities

– **Create Inclusion** — model inclusion, understand the business value of diverse teams and embed these values in team management.
– **Develop Talent** — understand employees’ skills, experience, aspirations and potential; coach them on performance and future growth.
– **Empower Teams** — align goals and purpose with organizational objectives; remove barriers and connect teams to the broader ecosystem.

# Salary Range

**Other U.S. Locations:** $221,000.00 – $286,000.00
**Bay Area:** $243,100.00 – $314,600.00

Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications and geographic location. Actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock‑based long‑term incentives, paid time off and a comprehensive 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 plan terms and conditions.

# Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and fostering an inclusive work environment. Employment decisions will be made without discrimination based on protected characteristics under applicable federal, state and local laws.

Applicants requiring accommodation may contact:
[email protected]

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

Additional notices:
– Employee Polygraph Protection Act
– Your Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Gilead will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing pay, except as permitted 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 thought and opinion.

Apply here