Senior Director, Gilead Patient Solutions Public Affairs

Overview

In this role you will lead strategic public affairs for Gilead Patient Solutions, shaping communications and advocacy to expand patient access to innovation. You will partner with cross-functional teams across markets to align global priorities with local needs, building trusted relationships with NGOs, patient groups, and healthcare stakeholders. You will steer external communications, crisis and issue management, and governance to protect and enhance Gilead’s reputation while advancing public health objectives. This position offers high impact across 140+ countries with a focus on access and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead GPS public affairs strategies to support patient-centered access and health priorities across markets
• Translate cross-functional insights into coordinated public affairs actions
• Counsel senior leadership on complex internal and external matters
• Align stakeholder engagement with Public Affairs, NGO engagement, and Corporate Communications
• Provide a global, enterprise-wide perspective ensuring local relevance and cultural fit
• Lead external communications strategy for GPS and ensure message discipline across regions
• Develop and sustain relationships with global NGOs, patient organizations, and advocacy coalitions
• Co-create education and capacity-building initiatives with external partners
• Proactively identify and manage issues with governance and response frameworks
• Integrate GPS priorities into enterprise narratives and internal communications
• Define objectives and KPIs for advocacy and engagement programs
• Oversee budgets, agency performance, and cross-functional governance

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 14 years’ experience or Master’s degree and at least 12 years of relevant experience; or PhD and at least 12 years of relevant experience
• Significant in-house public affairs, corporate communications, or external affairs experience in a global pharmaceutical/biotech or highly regulated healthcare organization
• Proven ability to influence across functions, regions, and diverse stakeholder groups without direct authority
• Excellent written and verbal communications for executive, internal, and external materials
• Experience across global, regional, and local markets, including LMICs and complex access/public health environments
• Experience engaging with global NGOs, patient organizations, advocacy groups, and public health coalitions
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, evaluate priorities, and provide sound recommendations under dynamic conditions
• Strong executive presence, diplomacy, and credibility in managing sensitive issues
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, compliance considerations in pharma communications
• Experience supporting geographically dispersed teams across time zones
• Willingness to travel ~30–40%

• Influencing and negotiation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic thinking
• Strategic communications planning
• Public affairs and advocacy strategy
• Stakeholder engagement with NGOs and coalitions

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