Senior Director, Strategy, Planning and Operations, Government Affairs

Gilead Sciences•Washington DC, DC

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 Gilead Sciences is hiring a business-focused executive to oversee global planning and operations for the Government Affairs (GA) group. The role supports strategy development, planning, budgeting and operations for all parts of Government Affairs, including the US and international government affairs and policy teams. This role requires a dynamic, experienced individual with a strong record of strategic and operational work experience across a variety of settings and topics in the biopharmaceutical or related industry. She/he must have the ability to effectively manage complex projects, influence stakeholders without direct authority, effectively network across the company and communicate effectively with external stakeholders, all within a very dynamic, fast-paced environment. Based in either Washington, DC or Foster City, CA, this role reports to the SVP and will be an integral member of the Government Affairs Leadership Team (LT).

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum 10-12 years of relevant experience.
Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
Well-honed political sensitivities and impeccable integrity.
Executive presence to interact with high-profile stakeholders such as elected officials, executives and other constituencies and an ability to influence without direct authority, draw out diverse views, drive consensus, manage conflict and act with discretion in all situations.
Creative, flexible and entrepreneurial.
Capable of leveraging relationships and facilitating partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholder groups.
Should possess the ability to influence others effectively without relying on formal authority.
Able to speak and write persuasively and with clarity.
Organized and can manage multiple and often competing priorities, lead high-profile, and complex projects, and thrive in a collegial yet highly demanding team environment.
Strong command of financial and operational systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree with 10-12+ years of experience in a relevant field, including government affairs, politics, management consulting, business strategy, or commercial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Advance degree preferred.
Comprehensive understanding of the biopharma industry business model, commercial and regulatory frameworks, and how healthcare systems work.
Demonstrated track record of working effectively with teams, managing high-profile programs and initiatives, and cultivating strong relationships with leaders of all levels.

Responsibilities

Lead creation of Government Affairs strategic and operating plans, ensuring priorities are aligned to commercial strategy and enterprise priorities.
Work with the SVP and GA LT in crafting an integrated Government Affairs Strategy and Operating Plan.
Ensure 1) alignment and consistency of strategic priorities around the world, 2) coordination across GA teams and 3) timely communication with affiliates to guide development of local plans.
Ensure GA strategic planning processes align with the commercial business planning cycle.
Ensure GA resources are allocated behind the department’s strategic priorities.
Oversee budget process across GA, in partnership with Finance and SVP.
With SVP and GA LT, develop GA strategic priorities, goals and success metrics, and monitor progress against plan throughout the year.
Work closely with the SVP in executing his global vision to build an industry-leading government affairs function and aligning the organization behind GA’s role as an essential strategic partner.
Build powerful two-way relationships with the GA LT and key cross-functional business leaders and bring broader internal and external insights to ensure the function responds proactively in a coordinated way to address both immediate and longer-term opportunities and threats.
Direct and develop a high-impact GA communications platform to deliver timely updates informing management on key federal, state, and international government actions impacting Gilead.
Work with GA team members, Public Affairs and Legal on company-wide communications involving Gilead’s positions on important policy-related matters.
Partner with Human Resources to develop a forward-looking talent strategy for GA.
Implement comprehensive competency development program to strengthen GA skills and adopt best practices to recruit and retain top talent.
Lead efforts to enhance and sustain employee engagement.
Assist the SVP with preparation for the GA LT meetings, including agenda development, speaker briefings, and managing meeting outputs.
Manage the cadence for LT meetings and other communications touchpoints with GA teams.
Ensure SVP is adequately prepared for key meetings and engagements.
Lead and manage special strategic projects as needed.
Drive efficiency, excellence, and scalability in GA by overseeing priority function-wide initiatives and activities.
Coordinate and prepare briefing materials for senior executives serving on the board of directors for key trade associations (PhRMA, BIO, etc.), including guidance on policy positions and decision items.
Coordinate GA input on corporate initiatives as directed by the SVP to ensure alignment across GA.
Promote continuous improvement for effective and high-performing GA organization.