Vice President, Federal Government Affairs

# **Vice President, Federal Government Affairs – Gilead Sciences**

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

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## **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.

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## **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.
– Build trusted, bipartisan relationships across Congress and the Administration.
– Shape and influence policy outcomes through direct engagement with federal 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.
– Partner cross‑functionally to align policy priorities with business objectives.
– Ensure coordination across federal, state, and international Government Affairs strategies.

### **External Engagement and Industry Leadership**
– Build and maintain 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.

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## **Candidate Profile**

The ideal candidate is a forward‑looking government affairs leader who anticipates political, legislative, and regulatory developments years ahead and translates them into proactive advocacy strategies. They bring credibility, relationships, and political acumen to engage effectively across Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies.

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 and measurable outcomes.

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## **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 and federal 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.

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## **Performance & Personal Competencies**

### **Setting Strategy**
– Ability to create and articulate an inspiring vision.
– Data‑driven decision‑making.
– Entrepreneurial and creative approach to innovation.
– Ability to balance broad change with organizational capacity.

### **Executing for Results**
– Sets clear, challenging goals and drives performance.
– Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity.
– Smart risk‑taking and foresight.
– Transparent, consistent decision‑making with integrity.

### **Leading Teams**
– Attracts and develops top talent.
– Motivates, delegates, 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.
– Celebrates team success.
– Creates purpose and meaning beyond individual leadership.

### **Driving Sustainability**
– Believes sustainability and profit align long‑term.
– Integrates societal and environmental factors into strategy.
– Considers all stakeholder viewpoints.
– Drives breakthrough innovations and sustainable business models.
– Sets ambitious sustainability goals and maintains commitment.

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## **People Leader Accountabilities**
– **Create Inclusion** – model inclusion and embed diversity in team management.
– **Develop Talent** – understand employee skills and aspirations; provide feedback and coaching.
– **Empower Teams** – align goals and purpose; remove barriers; connect teams to the broader ecosystem.

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## **Equal Employment Opportunity (U.S.)**

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

Applicants needing accommodation may contact: [email protected]

Additional notices:
– *Know Your Rights* poster
– Employee Polygraph Protection Act
– Family and Medical Leave Act

Gilead prohibits retaliation or discrimination related to pay transparency and ensures a workplace free of harassment and prohibited conduct.

Apply here