Vice President, Federal Government 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 improve lives and 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.

Vice President, Federal Government Affairs — Job Description
The Vice President, Federal Government Affairs serves as the enterprise leader for Gilead’s engagement with the U.S. federal government, responsible for shaping and advancing Gilead’s federal engagement and advocacy strategies and ensuring alignment with corporate priorities across innovation, access and public health.

This leader translates complex legislative and regulatory dynamics into clear strategic direction, informing enterprise decision‑making, risk management and business planning. The VP serves as the company’s principal strategist and critical representative to Congress, the Administration and federal agencies, advancing Gilead’s priorities through trusted, bipartisan engagement and ensuring the company maintains credibility and influence across changing political and policy environments.

As a member of the Government Affairs Leadership Team — reporting to the SVP, Global Government Affairs — this role contributes to enterprise‑wide strategy, alignment and execution, and acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on federal policy risks, opportunities and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership and Strategic Counsel
Advise senior leadership on federal legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities and their implications for enterprise strategy.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, SVP Government Affairs and executive team on federal policy dynamics and stakeholder engagement.

Contribute to enterprise‑level Government Affairs strategy, alignment and execution.

Prepare briefing materials and guide executive engagement with policymakers, industry trade associations and other stakeholders.

Federal Policy Strategy and Advocacy
Develop and execute an integrated, comprehensive federal government affairs strategy aligned with Gilead’s corporate priorities and values, including innovation, access, affordability and global health leadership.

Build and sustain trusted, bipartisan relationships across Congress and the Administration.

Shape and influence policy outcomes through direct engagement with Congress, federal agencies and key policy stakeholders.

Engage coalitions of aligned organizations to build support for Gilead positions.

Position the company as a credible, science‑driven partner in policy discussions.

Anticipate and respond to evolving legislative, regulatory and political dynamics.

Advocate for policies supporting biomedical innovation, equitable patient access and strong public health infrastructure.

Enterprise Integration and Business Impact
Translate policy developments into actionable insights for business leaders and cross‑functional partners.

Align policy priorities with business objectives to maximize advocacy impact.

Ensure coordination across federal, state and international Government Affairs strategies.

External Engagement and Industry Leadership
Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, Administration officials and federal agency leaders.

Lead Gilead’s engagement with key industry trade associations, including PhRMA and BIO.

Develop and execute engagement plans for the GA team and senior executives.

Team and Operational Leadership
Lead the Federal Government Affairs team, fostering a high‑performance and inclusive culture.

Oversee external consultants, lobbyists and advisors.

Manage the Gilead Political Action Committee.

Ensure compliance with all lobbying, ethics and political activity requirements.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a forward‑looking government affairs leader who combines strategic vision with disciplined execution, anticipating political, legislative and regulatory developments years ahead and translating them into proactive advocacy strategies. They bring credibility, relationships and political acumen to engage effectively across Congress, the Administration and federal agencies, while building long‑term champions and coalitions.

They are a strong people manager who thrives in a fast‑moving environment, prioritizes effectively, delegates responsibly and develops high‑performing teams. They are action‑oriented, agile and skilled at converting complex challenges into clear direction, timely decisions and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in federal government affairs, public policy or related fields.

Significant experience in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare sectors strongly preferred.

Proven success shaping federal legislative or regulatory outcomes.

Deep understanding of U.S. healthcare policy, legislative, regulatory and appropriations processes.

Demonstrated bipartisan relationship‑building across multiple administrations.

Ability to translate complex policy environments into actionable guidance.

Strong enterprise mindset and influence across matrixed organizations.

Executive presence and sound judgment.

Experience managing high‑performing teams and external partners.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Passion for scientific innovation, patient outcomes and ethical engagement.

Core Competencies
Setting Strategy
Ability to create and articulate an inspiring vision for the enterprise.

Data‑driven decision‑making.

Entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking.

Realistic goal‑setting and change management.

Executing for Results
Sets clear, challenging goals and drives performance.

Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity.

Smart risk‑taking and transparent decision‑making.

High integrity and consistency.

Leading Teams
Attracts and develops top talent.

Delegates effectively and celebrates diversity.

Perseveres through challenges with high standards.

Self‑reflective and open to feedback.

Relationships and Influence
Builds strong relationships with emotional intelligence.

Inspires trust and followership.

Shares the spotlight and celebrates team success.

Creates purpose and meaning beyond individual leadership.

Driving Sustainability
Integrates sustainability and profit into long‑term strategy.

Considers economic, societal and environmental factors.

Drives breakthrough innovations and business models.

Sets ambitious sustainability goals and stays the course.

People Leader Accountabilities
Create Inclusion — model inclusion and embed diversity in team management.

Develop Talent — understand employee skills, aspirations and potential; provide feedback and coaching.

Empower Teams — align goals and purpose; remove barriers; connect teams to the broader organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity (U.S.)
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, fostering an inclusive work environment with diverse perspectives and experiences. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status or other protected characteristics.

Applicants requiring accommodation may contact: [email protected]

Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct, promoting diversity of thought and opinion.

Apply here