Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Role Summary

Senior Director, Strategic Communications to shape and execute Gilead’s enterprise-wide communications in support of Corporate Communications. Responsible for developing integrated strategies that advance corporate priorities, strengthen reputation, and align external and internal audiences across earned media, internal communications, digital and social platforms, and executive visibility. Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Corporate Communications and related functions to translate business strategy into clear, cohesive communications and ensure an audience-centered narrative across channels. This position will be based in Foster City, California or Parsippany, New Jersey.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support Gilead’s corporate priorities, reputation, and long‑term objectives across external and internal audiences.
• Enterprise Narrative & Messaging: Help define, evolve, and steward Gilead’s corporate narrative, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment across media, internal communications, digital and social platforms, and executive engagements.
• Executive Counsel & Visibility: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on positioning, messaging, and external and internal engagement opportunities; support executive visibility across media, speaking engagements, digital channels, and internal forums.
• Content & Channel Integration: Oversee the development of high‑quality communications materials including executive talking points, speeches, internal announcements, press materials, digital content, and social storytelling, ensuring alignment across channels.
• Media, Digital & Social Collaboration: Partner closely with Media Relations and Digital teams to ensure coordinated storytelling, consistent messaging, and effective amplification across earned, owned, and social channels.
• Internal Communications Alignment: Collaborate with Internal Communications to ensure employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with Gilead’s strategy, priorities, and culture.
• Issues & Crisis Communications: Support planning and execution of communications strategies during sensitive, high‑profile, or reputation‑critical situations, working closely with cross‑functional partners.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Lead and convene cross‑functional working groups across Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Legal, HR, and other teams to drive alignment, integration, and execution of communications programs.
• Measurement & Insights: Use qualitative and quantitative insights, media analysis, digital metrics, and stakeholder feedback to assess effectiveness and continuously refine communications strategies.
• Agency & Partner Management: Manage external agencies and partners, providing strategic direction, oversight, and integration across communications disciplines.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise or strategic communications programs within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strong understanding of corporate communications disciplines, including media relations, internal communications, digital and social media, and executive communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex business, scientific, or policy topics into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional strategic writing, editing, and storytelling skills with experience developing executive‑level content.
• Sound judgment and composure in managing sensitive, high‑visibility, or reputationally significant situations.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Experience leading through influence, driving alignment, and managing ambiguity in fast‑paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage agencies, vendors, and complex programs with accountability and rigor.
• Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience, or Master’s degree and 12+ years of experience, or 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, strategic communications, public affairs, or related fields within a corporate or agency environment; healthcare or biopharmaceutical experience strongly preferred.