Director, Public Affairs, U.S. Leadership Communications

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

8d

About The Position

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. Reporting to the VP, U.S. Public Affairs, the Director of Leadership Communications, U.S. Commercial, will lead strategic communications in support of the Senior Vice President, U.S. Commercial, and her leadership team. This role is responsible for shaping and executing an integrated internal and external communications strategy that advances U.S. Commercial priorities, strengthens leadership visibility, and enables consistent, credible storytelling across key audiences. The Director will serve as a trusted communications advisor to the SVP and her leadership team, ensuring clear, compelling, and coordinated messaging that aligns with corporate strategy, business priorities, and Public Affairs objectives. The role partners closely with U.S. Commercial leadership, Corporate Communications, Medical Affairs, Government Affairs, and other Public Affairs centers of excellence to deliver a unified “one PA” approach.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and Twelve Years' Experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred or Mater's degree in relevant areas with 10 years' Experience.
• Significant experience in leadership, executive, or corporate communications within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated success advising senior executives and developing high-impact leadership communications.
• Strong understanding of internal communications, change communications, and executive presence-building.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling messages.
• Proven ability to influence, manage ambiguity, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and experience operating in highly visible, regulated environments.
• Knowledge of communications regulations and compliance considerations for publicly traded companies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting commercial, business, or enterprise leadership teams in the healthcare, biotechnology, or life sciences industries strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive leadership communications strategy for the SVP, U.S. Commercial, and her leadership team, integrating internal and external narratives.
• Serve as a strategic counselor to senior leaders on messaging, positioning, and communications cadence related to business performance, transformation, and priorities.
• Anticipate reputational, operational, and engagement risks; proactively recommend communications approaches to support leadership and business objectives.
• Lead internal communications for the U.S. Commercial organization, including town halls, leadership meetings, organizational updates, and change communications.
• Translate complex commercial strategies, performance updates, and business decisions into clear, engaging communications for employees.
• Ensure consistent messaging and tone across leadership communications, reinforcing culture, accountability, and alignment.
• Support external communications for the SVP and leadership team, including speaking engagements, media opportunities, industry forums, and thought leadership.
• Partner with media relations and corporate communications teams to ensure alignment with enterprise messaging and reputational priorities.
• Prepare executives for high-stakes external moments through messaging frameworks, briefing materials, and scenario planning.

Benefits

• This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
• Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees