Gilead Sciences Inc

Vice President, Global Research, Development & Therapeutic Area Public Affairs

Gilead Sciences Inc$210K — $250K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 16+ years in communications/public affairs, science background preferred.
  • Leadership experience in R&D and regulatory milestone communications in pharma/biotech.
  • Strong understanding of global regulatory environments and public perception.
  • Ability to convey complex science into clear messaging for diverse audiences.
  • Proven track record advising senior leaders and influencing without authority.
  • Expertise in crisis communications and issues management in high-stakes scenarios.
  • Experience in building and leading high-performing teams and managing resources effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the global R&D public affairs and communications strategy.
  • Provide senior counsel on reputation, transparency, and external scientific dynamics.
  • Establish annual objectives and track measurable outcomes for strategic focus.
  • Lead communications for high-stakes product development and regulatory milestones.
  • Ensure compliance and sequencing of communications for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Shape and steward an enterprise R&D narrative that reflects scientific ambition.
  • Lead internal communications to project confidence and engagement during changes.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape enterprise communications strategy in a high-profile company.
  • Collaboration with multiple departments across the organization.
  • Leadership role with the potential to build a high-performing team.
  • Engagement in critical scientific and regulatory communications.
  • Support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in team operations.
Full Job Description

As the primary Public Affairs liaison to the R&D organization, the VicePresidentwill develop and execute an integrated internal and external communications strategy that advances enterprise priorities, strengthens trust in our science, and enables business readiness for key pipeline and regulatory events. This leader will provide senior counsel to R&D and enterprise leaders on reputation and risk, set the operating model and governance for R&D communications globally, and build a high-performing team with deep scientific, regulatory, and issues-managementexpertise.

This highly visible leadership role sits within Public Affairs, partners closely with R&D leadership (Discovery, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, Safety, and Operations), and collaborates across Corporate Communications, Internal Communications, Government Affairs/Policy, Medical Affairs, Legal, Compliance, Investor Relations, and regional/country teams.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Executive Leadership, Governance & Strategic Counsel

  • Serve as the accountable executive owner for global R&D public affairs and communications strategy, with clear decision rights, governance, and escalation pathways.

  • Act as a senior counselor to the HeadsofResearch and Developmentandotherleadership on reputation, transparency, disclosure readiness, and external dynamicsimpactingscientific and development priorities.

  • Establish annualobjectives, measurable KPIs, anda performancemanagement rhythm to ensure strategic focus, accountability, and high-impact outcomes.

Product Development & Regulatory Milestone Communications

  • Lead communications for high-stakes product development and regulatory milestones, including:

  • Trial initiations, protocol milestones, interim analyses, and top-line and full data readouts

  • End-of-Phase meetings, breakthrough/fast track designations, and advisory committee preparation

  • Regulatory submissions, approvals, complete response letters, labeling updates, and post-marketing commitments

  • Clinical holds, safety updates, and significant development program changes

  • Ensure communications are scientificallyaccurate, compliant, and appropriately sequenced across internal and external audiences, coordinating with Regulatory, Medical, Legal, Compliance, Investor Relations, and Commercial partners.

  • Lead scenario planning, message development, and executive preparation (talking points, Q&A, holding statements, and backgrounders) for milestone announcements.

  • Drive consistent global execution by aligning with regional/country teams andestablishingscalable playbooks.

Scientific, Platform & Pipeline Narrative Development

  • Shape and steward an enterprise R&D narrative that reinforces Gilead9s scientific ambition, innovation platforms, and commitment to unmet medicalneed.

  • Translate complex science into clear, credible, audience-specific storytelling for employees, media, policymakers, patient communities, academic experts, and other external stakeholders.

  • Partner with R&D and Medical Affairs to elevate scientific thought leadership, congress strategies (asappropriate forPublic Affairs), and responsible communications around emerging science.

R&D Internal Communications & Change Leadership

  • Lead internal communications for R&D strategy, portfolio evolution, organizational changes, and key progress updates to build clarity, engagement, and confidence.

  • Enable leadership communications for senior R&D leaders (town halls, written communications, narrative frameworks, and leader toolkits).

  • Ensureinternal and external narratives are aligned to reinforce transparency and trust.

Issues Management, Crisis Preparedness & Rapid Response

  • Own the issues management approach for R&D-related topics (e.g., safety events, trial setbacks, pipeline reprioritizations, regulatory actions, scientific controversy).

  • Lead crisis preparedness, including monitoring, escalation, cross-functional war-room operations, and post-incident learning.

  • Provide real-time counsel and communications leadership during high-pressure events, ensuring disciplined messaging and coordinated execution.

Advocacy & Policy Interface for Science and Innovation

  • Partner with Government Affairs/Policy and other stakeholders to support science- and regulation-adjacent advocacy priorities (e.g., clinical trial participation and diversity, research ecosystems, regulatory science, innovation policy).

  • Help integrate health equity and patient access considerations into R&D storytelling in partnership with relevant teams, ensuring credibility andappropriate governance.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Measurement

  • Leverage insights, trends, and analytics to inform strategy and provide leaders with real-time counsel on external developments.

  • Define and track KPIs for R&D communications (readiness, reach, sentiment, narrative pull-through, stakeholder impact), using data tooptimizeplans anddemonstratevalue.

Cross-Functional & Global Alignment

  • Serve as the bridge between Public Affairs centers ofexpertiseand R&D stakeholders to ensure consistent, enterprise-aligned communications.

  • Align with Investor Relations and Finance, as appropriate, to support market-sensitive disclosures and ensure rigorous coordination.

  • Build strong partnerships across regional/country public affairs teams to support local regulatory and development milestones whilemaintainingglobal consistency.

Team Leadership, Capability Building & Operating Model

  • Build and lead a high-performing, future-ready R&D communications team with strong scientific fluency and modern communications capabilities.

  • Develop talent through coaching, clearobjectives, stretch opportunities, and succession planning.

  • Oversee agency and vendor partners; manage budget and resource allocation to ensure operational excellence and strategic prioritization.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor9s degree and 16+ years of progressively responsible communications/public affairs experience; academic background in a scientific discipline preferred; advanced degree (Master9sor PhD) a plus.

  • Demonstrated leadership of R&D, clinical development, and regulatory milestone communications in pharmaceutical/biotech or closely related settings.

  • Strong command of global regulatory and disclosure environments and the intersection of science, policy, and publicperception.

  • Proven ability to translate complex science into clear, credible messaging across internal and external audiences.

  • Track recordadvising senior leaders with sound judgment, executive presence, and the ability to influence without authority.

  • Deep experience inissuesmanagement and crisis communications, including high-stakes, time-sensitive, and market-sensitive scenarios.

  • Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams, and to manage agencies, budgets, and resources effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience communicating in or across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell/gene therapy, oncology, virology, inflammation).

  • Strong understanding of media, digital, and social strategies in healthcare and science communications.

  • Familiarity with how advocacy, patient engagement, and health equity intersect with R&D and clinical development.

People Leader Accountabilities:

  • Create Inclusion: Model inclusive leadership and embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into how the teamoperates, makes decisions, and develops talent.

  • Develop Talent:Understandemployees9 skills, aspirations, and potential; provide coaching, feedback, and opportunities that grow both current performance and future readiness.

  • Empower Teams: Align goals to enterprise and R&D priorities, clarify decision rights, remove barriers, and connect the team to the broader Public Affairs and R&D ecosystem.

About Gilead Sciences Inc

Gilead Sciences is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet need. With each new discovery and experimental drug candidate, they seek to improve the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Gilead's primary areas of focus include HIV/AIDS, liver disease, and serious cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Gilead Sciences Inc Careers

Join the vibrant team at Gilead Sciences Inc, a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry known for its innovative approach to healthcare. At Gilead, we are committed to advancing the care of patients around the globe through rigorous science and research.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career journey with Gilead Sciences Inc, where job opportunities abound in a variety of fields, from scientific research to marketing and sales. Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion, where every employee can thrive.

Innovate and Lead

At Gilead, innovation is at the core of everything we do. Join us and contribute to our mission of saving lives through advanced treatments and cutting-edge medicine. Our leadership is committed to nurturing professional growth, making Gilead an ideal place for those who aim to lead and innovate in the healthcare industry.

Grow Your Career

Gilead Sciences Inc offers a wealth of career advancement opportunities. With personalized career development programs, employees are encouraged to pursue their professional interests and expand their skills. Whether through on-the-job learning, formal training, or leadership development, we provide the tools necessary for long-term career growth.

Be Part of Our Team

Our team at Gilead Sciences Inc is composed of passionate, curious, and solution-driven professionals. By joining us, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our culture promotes teamwork and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, making our workplace dynamic and innovative.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your career with Gilead through our internship programs, which offer hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical development and business operations. For seasoned professionals, our employment opportunities span across various disciplines, inviting you to bring your valuable skills to our team.

Benefits and Culture

Gilead Sciences Inc is not only a great place to work but also offers competitive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From health insurance to retirement plans and wellness programs, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Networking and Professional Development

We emphasize the importance of networking and professional development within the company. Regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions are held to enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, Gilead’s strong emphasis on internal networking allows for cross-departmental collaboration and innovation.

Join Our Hiring Events

Stay connected with Gilead by joining our hiring events and exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for dedicated, creative, and driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Gilead Sciences Inc.

Explore Jobs at Gilead Sciences Inc

Discover the exciting career opportunities waiting for you at Gilead Sciences Inc. Visit our careers page to search for open positions, read about our company culture, and learn how you can make a difference in the global healthcare landscape.

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Learn more about Gilead Sciences Inc
Size
14,400 employees
Market Cap
$107.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$123 million
Founded
1987
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$24.6 billion
NASDAQ

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