Senior Director, Product Communications

Kite Pharma•Foster City, CA

16d

About The Position

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. Job Description Kite Pharma is a leader in cell therapy, focused on delivering potentially transformative treatments for people living with cancer. We are seeking a Senior Director, Product Communications to serve as the communications lead for a late‑stage asset in our portfolio, responsible for setting the strategic communications vision and driving integrated, global, multi‑channel communications that support the asset’s development, launch readiness, commercialization, and long‑term reputation. This senior leader will partner closely with colleagues across Commercial, Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Corporate Affairs, Government Affairs, and Regional Public Affairs teams to build and sustain a compelling narrative for the asset, aligned to Kite’s mission and priorities. The role requires a combination of scientific fluency, strategic thinking, enterprise mindset, strong cross‑functional leadership, and excellence in execution.

Requirements

PhD with 12+ years of progressive experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or scientific communications OR Master’s degree with 12+ years of progressive experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or scientific communications OR Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of progressive experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or scientific communications

Nice To Haves

Significant experience leading communications for oncology, immuno‑oncology, cell therapy, or other complex/scientific therapeutic areas.
Demonstrated success in driving product communications for pivotal data, regulatory milestones, and/or global launch preparation.
Strong executive presence with demonstrated experience advising senior leaders.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience managing agencies, budgets, and cross‑functional alignment within matrixed global organizations.
Experience with FDA and global regulatory environments for oncology or cell therapy.
Strong understanding of scientific data communication, medical congress strategy, and scientific narrative development.
Experience in digital communications, analytics, and measurement of impact.
Track record of team development and people leadership.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Develop and own the US communications strategy for a late‑stage asset, ensuring alignment with commercial planning, clinical development milestones, medical strategy, and corporate priorities.
Serve as a senior advisor to Kite and Gilead leadership teams, offering insights on the external environment, media landscape, and emerging risks/opportunities relevant to the asset.
Build and maintain a cohesive asset narrative, including messaging frameworks, data storylines, and integrated storytelling tools for use across markets and functions.
Product & Data Communications Lead communications planning and execution for major asset milestones, including pivotal data presentations, publications, regulatory submissions, approval events, and lifecycle expansion activities.
Partner with Medical Affairs and Clinical Development to ensure accurate translation of complex scientific information into clear, compliant, targeted communications.
Oversee materials through Kite and Gilead’s internal review systems, ensuring all content meets regulatory, legal, and conduct standards.
Integrated External & Internal Communications Direct multi‑platform communications campaigns for the asset across earned media, digital and social channels, thought leadership, unbranded disease education, and congress engagement.
Partner with Corporate Communications on proactive storytelling, issues preparedness, executive visibility, and reactive media response.
Develop internal communications and toolkits that inform, align, and equip Commercial, Medical, Field and regional teams.
Cross‑Functional Leadership Represent Public Affairs on cross‑functional asset teams, ensuring communications integration across clinical, commercial, medical, regulatory, access, and affiliate teams.
Drive global‑to‑local coordination, ensuring regional and affiliate Public Affairs teams have timely guidance, materials, and strategic alignment for localized execution.
Lead reputation and issues preparedness planning, including scenario planning, Q&A development, and leadership briefings.
Team, Agency & Budget Management Manage and mentor internal team members supporting the asset’s communications work.
Lead and optimize the work of external communications, medical communications, digital, and analytics agencies.
Oversee budget planning and resource allocation to ensure strategic focus, operational excellence, and measurable impact.

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.

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