Associate Director, Executive Protection

Role Summary

Associate Director, Executive Protection will support the operational execution of Gilead’s Executive Protection Program, providing close protection and security support to senior executives globally. This role leads planning and implementation of executive protection strategies by utilizing protective intelligence assets and briefings to identify and mitigate threats. This role serves as a trusted advisor during executive travel, high-profile events, and crisis situations, ensuring the protection of employees, facilities, physical assets, and sensitive information across a complex, highly regulated global environment. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Executive Protection, within the CFO organization and is based in Foster City, CA.

Responsibilities

• Security Advances and Risk Assessments – Conduct advances for travel, work, and residential security needs, including threat and vulnerability risk assessments at airports, hotels, and other assigned venues.
• Briefings – Provide travel safety and security briefings to executives and flight crews, including those traveling abroad to high-risk locations.
• Coordination – Conduct special services designated by the Sr. Director – Executive Protection, such as Annual Stockholder Meetings, Board Meetings, conferences, and other high-profile events.
• Collaboration – Develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including cross-functional communication with legal, HR, corporate communications, and corporate security leadership. Liaise with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as needed.
• Vendor Relationships – Provide oversight and coordination of third-party service providers to mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities of offices, executive residences, vehicles, transportation routes, and event venues, as needed.
• Intelligence – Conduct intelligence reviews and pre-trip analysis, monitor local and geopolitical threats, integrate with Corporate Security GSOC and intelligence teams.
• Travel – This role requires flexibility to support executives on short notice, both domestically and internationally, to include irregular hours.
• Continual Improvement – Identify and assist in developing and implementing procedures and processes; promoting a consistent and effective approach to the security and protection of Gilead’s people, assets, property, and information.
• Leadership Competencies – Owns operational delivery of assigned protection missions by displaying effective leadership qualities including executive presence, high-pressure decision-making, and always using confidentiality, discretion, and good judgement.

Qualifications

• Required: BA/BS with 10+ years of experience OR MA/MS with 8+ years of experience OR PhD/PharmD with 5+ years of experience
• Preferred: 10+ years of law enforcement experience, former federal agency or protection experience preferred (Secret Service, State Department, FBI)
• Preferred: H.R. 218 – Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) credentials required
• Preferred: Ability to obtain a Federal Air Marshal Service ASO certification
• Preferred: Hold a valid passport and be able to travel internationally while meeting the company’s travel requirements (approximately 30%)
• Preferred: Certification in AED/First Aid/CPR/First Responder or ability to obtain certification, valid EMT certification preferred
• Preferred: Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate motor vehicles
• Preferred: Experience working in a corporate security team environment
• Preferred: Excellent report writing and presentation skills

Skills

• Experience and proficiency in scheduling, logistics, personnel management, and use/performance metrics
• International security-related professional experience
• Comfortable interacting with senior level executives, board members, and government representatives
• Familiarity with EP technology to include mobile security apps, secure communications, and tracking tools
• Excellent planning and analytical skills
• Ability to work within a team environment as well as individually, and able to work long hours including occasional weekends and holidays
• Experience in building or being a member of a new security program
• Self-directed, able to adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work with minimal guidance
• Experience in event security management and working with vendor partners
• Demonstrated strong decision-making in both crisis and non-crisis situations
• Proven record of successfully collaborating with internal and external stakeholders

Education

• BA/BS with 10+ years of experience OR MA/MS with 8+ years of experience OR PhD/PharmD with 5+ years of experience

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Hold a valid passport and be able to travel internationally while meeting the company’s travel requirements (approximately 30%)
• Travel flexibility and ability to respond on short notice, domestically and internationally, including irregular hours