Senior Director, U.S. Public Affairs Oncology Advocacy

Gilead Sciences • Parsippany, NJ

2d • $221,000 - $314,600

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. Role Overview Reporting to the Executive Director, U.S. Public Affairs Oncology Team Lead, this Senior Director will lead U.S. advocacy strategy across Gilead’s Oncology portfolio, with a primary focus on a late-stage asset. The role shapes and advances Gilead’s position as an emerging oncology leader by elevating the patient’s voice, articulating a compelling oncology vision, and partnering externally to address unmet needs. This leader will work closely with U.S. Commercial, Medical Affairs, and Government Affairs teams, as well as Global Public Affairs Centers of Excellence, to drive an integrated, One PA approach that supports development milestones, launches, and long-term reputation building.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 14+ years of relevant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advocacy, or scientific communications; or master's degree with 12+ years of experience.
• Proven experience leading product related advocacy strategies tied to clinical data, regulatory milestones, and launch preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, academic experts, and patient advocates with credibility and confidence.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to drive alignment across complex, matrixed organizations.
• Prior experience in oncology, advocacy, government affairs, policy, or medical affairs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outside the U.S. or in global roles.
• Passion for oncology and public health.
• Experience with digital communications, consumer marketing, analytics, and impact measurement.
• Knowledge of regulations governing advocacy engagements and sponsorships in publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the U.S. advocacy strategy for a late-stage oncology asset, aligned with commercial planning, clinical milestones, global oncology strategy, medical priorities, and enterprise objectives.
• Set vision, priorities, and engagement strategies with advocacy partners, serving as a senior counselor on patient needs, policy dynamics, and emerging risks and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive patient narrative, including core messaging, data storylines, and storytelling tools used across functions and markets.
• Advise and partner with senior leaders across Commercial, Medical Affairs, and Government Affairs to advance Gilead’s oncology leadership, including current efforts in TNMBC.
• Represent U.S. Oncology Public Affairs on cross functional teams to ensure integrated communications across clinical, commercial, medical, regulatory, access, and affiliate partners.
• Support U.S. product launches and key clinical/regulatory milestones through coordinated advocacy and communications strategies.
• Drive global to local alignment across Gilead Oncology and Kite Public Affairs, ensuring timely guidance, materials, and strategic consistency.
• Design and implement advocacy partnerships and programs that raise awareness, mobilize patients, and elevate public understanding of unmet needs in TNMBC and oncology.
• Serve as the primary relationship lead for key advocacy organizations, strengthening Gilead Oncology’s reputation and leadership position.
• Lead, mentor, and develop internal team members supporting oncology advocacy efforts.
• Oversee agency partners and sponsorships, ensuring compliant execution aligned with Gilead business conduct policies.
• Manage advocacies, partnerships, and funding processes, optimizing resources for strategic impact and measurable outcomes.
• Drive operational excellence through disciplined planning, resource allocation, and performance measurement.

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.

What This Job Offers

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