Senior Director, Human Resources Public Affairs

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
 

We are seeking an exceptional, experienced, and strategic senior communications leader to help shape and execute Gilead’s enterprise and Human Resources (HR) communications during key business and organizational moments. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing a proactive, integrated communications strategy that supports Gilead’s talent, culture, and organizational priorities, including transformation initiatives, workforce engagement, and leadership communications. 

 

The individual will serve as a key advisor and collaborator with the CHRO, Human Resources and senior business partners across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Legal, and other functions to develop and communicate Gilead’s people strategy, culture, and organizational direction. The role will help ensure that communications foster trust, transparency, and engagement across the organization while reinforcing Gilead’s values and leadership principles. 

 

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in executive and internal communications, strong understanding of organizational dynamics and change management, and the ability to translate complex HR and business initiatives into clear, engaging communications. The successful candidate will possess exceptional strategic writing skills and the ability to develop executive-level materials that resonate with diverse internal and external audiences. 

 

This role will lead a 360° communications strategy and work cross-functionally to activate through Gilead’s Communications Center of Excellence, supporting executive visibility and employee engagement aligned with enterprise priorities. The role will report to the Executive Director of Employee Engagement, and partner closely with Human Resources leadership.

Key Responsibilities.

Executive Counsel & Advisory 

• Serve as a primary strategic and trusted advisor to the CHRO of Human Resources and HR Leadership Team on business positioning, narrative development, stakeholder engagement, and reputational considerations. 

• Anticipate risks and opportunities, independently identifying communications needs and proactively shaping executive narratives. 

 

Content Development & Narrative Leadership 

• Develop and execute communications strategies that support talent, culture, and organizational priorities, including transformation initiatives and workforce engagement. 

• Lead the creation, review, and refinement of executive-level materials including speeches, business updates, town halls, talking points, Q&A documents, and external thought leadership that support long-range commercial priorities. 

• Translate HR strategy, talent priorities, and organizational changes into clear, compelling messaging that supports alignment and engagement. 

 

Enterprise Integration & Alignment 

• Partner closely with the Communications Center of Excellence, including Internal Communications, Employee Engagement Media Relations, Digital and Social, and Issues Management, to ensure coordinated execution across all channels. 

• Lead cross-functional coordination across HR, Public Affairs, Legal, and other functions to ensure alignment and consistency. 

 

Business-Critical and Issues Communications 

• Support communications planning and execution during periods of organizational change or sensitive workforce-related issues. 

 

Executive Preparation and Visibility 

• Support executive preparation and coaching for internal and external engagements, including industry events, media interactions, and leadership forums. 

• Strengthen executive presence and visibility in alignment with HR and enterprise priorities. 

 

Measurement and Insights 

• Leverage employee feedback, engagement data, and insights to refine communications strategies. 

 

Agency Management 

• Manage external agencies and advisors supporting communications programs. 

 

Skills, Knowledge and Expectations 

• Demonstrated deep experience supporting executive and internal communications within a global and matrixed organization. 

• Strong understanding of employee engagement, organizational culture, and change management. 

• Viewed as a subject matter expert capable of influencing senior leaders through credibility, insight, and judgment. 

• Proven ability to translate complex organizational initiatives into clear, engaging communications. 

• Experience supporting leadership visibility and employee-facing communications. 

• Exceptional strategic writing and storytelling skills. 

• Sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive workforce and organizational issues. 

• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 

• Experience leading through influence and driving alignment across cross-functional teams. 

• Proven ability to operate independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver high‑impact outcomes. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programs. 

 

Basic Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience, or   
Master’s degree and 12+ years of experience, or   
12+ years of experience in strategic communications, executive communications, corporate affairs, or related roles within a publicly traded company or agency environment; healthcare or biopharmaceutical experience strongly preferred. 

The salary range for this position is:

Bay Area: $243,100.00 - $314,600.00.

 

Other US Locations: $221,000.00 - $286,000.00.

Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. 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*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the  legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
 

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.