📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Marketing
🔹 Company: Gilead Sciences
🔹 Location: Foster City, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Biotechnology Research
🔹 Date Posted: June 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the Direct-to-Patient (DTP) marketing strategy and execution for Gilead’s flagship HIV treatment product
- Developing innovative patient marketing approaches to drive brand loyalty and patient engagement
- Managing and mentoring a highly skilled DTP marketing team
- Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure coordinated efforts that align with brand strategy
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and innovative thinker with a proven track record in pharma/biotech marketing, preferably with Direct-to-Patient marketing experience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Leads overall HIV Treatment DTP strategy and oversees development and execution of the annual patient marketing tactical plan
✅ Develops targeted patient approaches for personal (field-based), and non-personal promotion across HIV populations through effective marketing and channel mix such as print, digital, social media, out-of-home, and television by leveraging agency expertise, KPIs, and ROI analysis
✅ Effectively translates market research insights to enhance promotional strategies and tactics
✅ Continually evaluates and champions innovative approaches to strengthen brand loyalty
✅ Develops effective, culturally competent patient materials and messaging to meet the educational needs of patients and community partners
✅ Collaborates closely with cross functional teams to ensure coordinated efforts that align with brand strategy and champions the voice of the patient in broader cross functional initiatives
✅ Provides leadership and support to the overall DTP marketing team and develops, coaches, and manages the performance of direct reports
✅ Closely manages integrated promotions and media budget and prioritizes execution effectively
✅ Oversees all agency relationships and performance while leveraging each agency's area of expertise for the business and facilitating their collaboration when needed to meet business needs
✅ Oversees the management of patient ambassadors to ensure a consistent Gilead experience
✅ Develops and delivers presentations to a range of internal (executives, US leadership team, sales) and external audiences
✅ Ensures compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic, and analytical skills, as well as excellent communication and presentation abilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree with 14 years’ experience or a Master's degree with 12 years’ experience in marketing, preferably within pharma/biotech.
Experience: 10+ years of marketing experience, primarily within pharma/biotech, with a focus on Direct-to-Patient marketing.
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and management skills
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong project management skills
- Budget management experience
- Agency management experience
- Deep understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements
- Firm command of financial management, expense budget forecasting, and tracking
- Proven ability to develop and execute multi-dimensional marketing and business plans
- Experience working with patient and community advocacy groups
Preferred Skills:
- MBA preferred
- Prior advertising, digital, or communications agency experience
- Extensive understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and impact on development of marketing materials
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in marketing, with a focus on Direct-to-Patient marketing within the pharma/biotech industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $261,375.00 - $338,250.00 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
- Paid time off
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for a senior director role in the biotechnology industry and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Biotechnology Research
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1987
Company Description:
- Gilead is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases worldwide
- The company focuses on areas of unmet medical need and supports communities affected by HIV, liver diseases, cancer, and other serious illnesses
- Gilead's mission is to create a healthier world for all people by advancing the standard of care for patients in need
Company Specialties:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Liver diseases
- Inflammation
Company Website: http://www.gilead.com
ASSUMPTION: Gilead is a well-established biopharmaceutical company with a strong focus on innovation and improving the lives of patients worldwide.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Director
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Director of Treatment Marketing
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the marketing department or across other functions within Gilead
- Opportunities to lead and develop a team of marketing professionals
- Chance to work on high-impact projects that directly influence Gilead's HIV business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, both in terms of career advancement and team leadership.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site
Office Location(s): Foster City, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Foster City is located in San Mateo County, California, approximately 10 miles south of San Francisco
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and Silicon Valley
- The climate is mild, with cool summers and mild winters
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for the role's demands
ASSUMPTION: Foster City offers a pleasant work environment with a mix of urban and suburban living, and the role's work schedule is flexible to accommodate the demands of the position.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews
- Final round interviews with key stakeholders
- Background and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Marketing expertise, particularly in Direct-to-Patient marketing
- Cultural competency and patient advocacy experience
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, leadership skills, and any exposure to the pharmaceutical industry
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your marketing strategies, team leadership, and problem-solving abilities
- Research Gilead's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your fit with the company's culture
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, Direct-to-Patient, Pharma, Biotech, HIV, Brand Loyalty, Patient Education, Agency Management, Regulatory Compliance
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, leadership skills, and marketing expertise throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Veeva)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Budget management tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a variety of marketing, project management, and communication tools to effectively manage their workload and collaborate with team members.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Inclusion
- Courage
- Accountability
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and adaptable
- Data-driven and analytical
- Patient-focused and empathetic
- Results-oriented and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Gilead's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you championed the voice of the patient in a marketing initiative?
- How do you approach innovation and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Gilead's values and work style, with a particular emphasis on patient focus, innovation, and collaboration.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse team with varying levels of experience and expertise
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of execution
- Navigating a complex regulatory environment and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and policies
- Adapting to changes in the market and competitive landscape
- Managing external agency relationships and ensuring effective collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges head-on and demonstrate their ability to lead, adapt, and thrive in a dynamic and complex work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on Direct-to-Patient marketing for Gilead's flagship HIV treatment product
- Compared to other marketing roles in the pharmaceutical industry, this position requires a deeper understanding of patient needs and preferences, as well as the ability to develop targeted, culturally competent marketing materials
- Career progression in this role may lead to broader marketing leadership positions within Gilead or other pharmaceutical companies
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should understand the unique aspects of this role and be prepared to leverage their marketing expertise and patient focus to drive success in this specific position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a targeted marketing campaign to increase brand awareness and adherence among newly diagnosed HIV patients
- Creating culturally competent patient education materials to improve health literacy and treatment outcomes among diverse patient populations
- Launching a patient ambassador program to enhance the patient experience and gather valuable insights for future marketing initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their marketing experience and how they have addressed similar challenges in previous roles.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current marketing strategies for Gilead's HIV treatment product, and how this role fits into the overall marketing plan?
- How does Gilead support and empower its marketing team members to drive innovation and success?
- Can you provide an example of a recent marketing initiative that required cross-functional collaboration, and how was the outcome measured?
- How does Gilead approach patient advocacy and community engagement in its marketing efforts?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of Gilead's HIV treatment marketing campaigns, and how are they tracked and reported?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful, informed questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and Gilead's marketing strategies.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through Gilead's careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing experience, leadership skills, and any exposure to the pharmaceutical industry
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your marketing strategies, team leadership, and problem-solving abilities
- Research Gilead's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your fit with the company's culture
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
