Senior Director, Public Affairs Canada

Gilead Sciences•Mississauga, ON

1d•CA$196,690 - CA$254,540

About The Position

At Gilead Sciences Canada Inc., we are proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers 2024. We are committed to creating a healthier world for all people by tackling diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. 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. We are looking for passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite, driving culture evolution and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed, and empowered.

Requirements

Proven experience in product PR, media, and advocacy in Canada.
Excellent understanding of the Canadian political/health policy and access environment, including processes and key stakeholders.
Experience with public relations tactics and resources and their relationship to other department roles and functions.
Strong cross-functional working skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders in other functions.
Previous experience in product launches (regulatory and reimbursement) in Canada.
Ability to understand and accurately communicate complex science.
Demonstrated experience in media relations (traditional and social), issues management; knowledge of healthcare and industry media and reporting trends.
Experience managing multiple projects (timelines, budgets, priorities) simultaneously; flexibility and results-oriented focus are essential.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to interact with senior management and high-profile experts appropriately, with confidence and ease.
Ability to give formal presentations to internal and external audiences of various sizes.
Proven ability to manage and develop people.
Demonstrated knowledge of regulations and principles specific to communications for a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company.
Typically requires a BA degree in communications, liberal arts, business, or science-oriented field (or International Equivalent) with proven relevant experience, including solid healthcare public relations experience.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in French and English is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Gilead Canada’s communications strategy, in alignment with global direction and local leadership, to support the product portfolio and business objectives.
Provide strategic input and advice to the General Manager and Canada Leadership Team.
Partner with the General Manager and Canada Leadership team to build and execute on the affiliate business goals and objectives.
Provide strategic oversight on product and therapy area communications.
Design and implement strategic programs and tailored narratives that proactively communicate Gilead’s perspective and shape corporate reputation.
Develop, strengthen, and maintain key relationships with community advocates, organizations, and professionals, and champion patient engagement.
Enhance Gilead’s profile among industry associations, media, and other influential organizations in Canada.
Coordinate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment and collaboration in strategic priorities and messaging.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business press, consumer media, key industry opinion leaders, and external stakeholders.
Respond to media requests and coordinate interviews with Gilead spokespeople and external spokespeople.
Manage issues mitigation and response.
Drive internal communications and employee engagement through proactive ideas and programs that support culture evolution.
Partner with the General Manager, HR Business Partner, and the broader cross-functional team to execute business-critical internal events.
Manage the performance and ongoing development of three team members.
Effectively manage all aspects of public relations agency relationships, including direction and project management.
Manage budgets to target.
Understand regulatory frameworks on local provincial and national levels and compliantly manage internal approvals and interactions with the review team.