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, 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 structured public affairs and stakeholder engagement plans that support U.S. prioritized objectives. This role will promote communications campaigns that create an external environment enabling growth for Gilead’s U.S. business. The individual 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 and 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.
• Ensure alignment with enterprise priorities and key stakeholder groups, including government affairs, commercial, policy, and communications.
• Translate complex policy topics into accessible, persuasive narratives for external audiences such as 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 innovative communication strategies.
• 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.
• Ensure messaging is clear, credible, and aligned with enterprise priorities.
• Identify and shape opportunities to amplify Gilead’s voice in policy discussions through earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Collaborate with third parties, advocates, and coalitions to extend reach and impact.
• Partner with enterprise communicators to ensure consistency across therapeutic, corporate, and reputation-driven 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.
• 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 collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of regulatory, political, or social responsibility landscapes impacting business and reputation.
• Excellence in translating policy and complex science into compelling, credible narratives.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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: Understand the business value of diverse teams, model inclusion, and embed diversity into team management practices.
• Develop Talent: Understand employees’ skills, experience, aspirations, and potential. Provide coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Empower Teams: Align team goals with organizational objectives, remove barriers, and connect teams to the broader ecosystem.

Compensation

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 may vary.

This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary), paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Apply here