Sr Director, Public Affairs, External Affairs
Gilead Sciences
July 01, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Patient Advocacy
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute proactive, integrated public affairs communication strategies and content supporting Gilead’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy objectives.
- Translate complex policy topics into accessible, persuasive narratives for external audiences (policymakers, advocacy groups, community groups, trade associations, think tanks, media).
- Monitor and synthesize public affairs developments to inform proactive communication planning.
- Identify opportunities, venues, and creative communications tactics to meet business objectives.
- Strengthen message discipline and alignment across Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Legal, and functional partners.
- Advise senior leaders and internal partners on best practices and campaign activation.
- Ensure Public Affairs communications complement Government Affairs policy/trade/coalition strategies.
- Support content development for policymakers, advocacy groups, NGOs, and external experts.
- Amplify Gilead’s voice through earned, owned, and shared channels via third parties, advocates, and coalitions.
- Partner with enterprise communicators to ensure consistent therapeutic/corporate/reputation messaging.
- Support issue monitoring and response for emerging risks and evolving narratives; contribute to scenario planning, response materials, and executive communications.
- Integrate policy-relevant issues into broader corporate reputation strategies.
Qualifications/Skills:
- 10+ years in social media, digital communications, or content strategy.
- Strong understanding of key policy media ecosystems and digital/social targeting.
- 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.
- Ability to partner cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.
- Knowledge of regulatory/political/social responsibility landscapes impacting business and reputation.
- Excellent ability to translate policy and complex science into compelling narratives.
- Preferred: background in public affairs/corporate communications/reputation management/consulting/political campaigns/PR agencies/government relations; experience in global or highly matrixed environments.
- Basic: Bachelor’s with 14+ years, or Master’s with 12+ years.
Location:
- Washington, DC
People leader accountabilities:
- Create inclusion; develop talent; empower teams.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Salary range (for reference): Other US $221,000–$286,000; Bay Area $243,100–$314,600. May be eligible for discretionary bonus/long-term incentives; paid time off; company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life.
Application instructions:
- Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday (for current employees/contractors).
- Develop and execute proactive, integrated public affairs communication strategies and content supporting Gilead’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy objectives.
- Translate complex policy topics into accessible, persuasive narratives for external audiences (policymakers, advocacy groups, community groups, trade associations, think tanks, media).
- Monitor and synthesize public affairs developments to inform proactive communication planning.
- Identify opportunities, venues, and creative communications tactics to meet business objectives.
- Strengthen message discipline and alignment across Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Legal, and functional partners.
- Advise senior leaders and internal partners on best practices and campaign activation.
- Ensure Public Affairs communications complement Government Affairs policy/trade/coalition strategies.
- Support content development for policymakers, advocacy groups, NGOs, and external experts.
- Amplify Gilead’s voice through earned, owned, and shared channels via third parties, advocates, and coalitions.
- Partner with enterprise communicators to ensure consistent therapeutic/corporate/reputation messaging.
- Support issue monitoring and response for emerging risks and evolving narratives; contribute to scenario planning, response materials, and executive communications.
- Integrate policy-relevant issues into broader corporate reputation strategies.
Qualifications/Skills:
- 10+ years in social media, digital communications, or content strategy.
- Strong understanding of key policy media ecosystems and digital/social targeting.
- 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.
- Ability to partner cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.
- Knowledge of regulatory/political/social responsibility landscapes impacting business and reputation.
- Excellent ability to translate policy and complex science into compelling narratives.
- Preferred: background in public affairs/corporate communications/reputation management/consulting/political campaigns/PR agencies/government relations; experience in global or highly matrixed environments.
- Basic: Bachelor’s with 14+ years, or Master’s with 12+ years.
Location:
- Washington, DC
People leader accountabilities:
- Create inclusion; develop talent; empower teams.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Salary range (for reference): Other US $221,000–$286,000; Bay Area $243,100–$314,600. May be eligible for discretionary bonus/long-term incentives; paid time off; company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life.
Application instructions:
- Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday (for current employees/contractors).