🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Public Affairs, U.S. Issues Management Communications
🔹 Company: Gilead Sciences
🔹 Location: Parsippany, New Jersey, United States & Washington, D.C., United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Public Affairs & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years of experience
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Parsippany, NJ or DC office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing, managing, and executing strategies and tactics to protect Gilead’s freedom to operate and build positive perceptions among and trust with our most important stakeholders.
- Driving U.S. issues management communications and Managed Markets business partnership across the Gilead portfolio, liaising closely with various departments.
- Collaborating with Public Affairs colleagues and leading cross-functional working groups involving Government Affairs, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Commercial teams.
- Demonstrating Gilead’s leadership by articulating our vision among external and internal audiences, raising awareness of unmet medical, systemic, and social needs that our science and programs seek to address, and communicating progress against these goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex issues quickly and effectively. The ideal candidate will have experience operating in an FDA-regulated industry, preferably at a biopharma company, and a deep understanding of regulations governing communications for a publicly traded biopharma company.
📋 Key Responsibilities
🌟 Strategic Planning & Execution
- Develop and implement a sophisticated multi-year issues management plan aligned to U.S. business priorities that purposefully and programmatically mitigates risks to Gilead’s immediate, medium, and long-term business and reputation.
- Manage complex, fast-moving, and unexpected reputation and business issues with high judgment and professionalism.
🌟 Issue Identification & Resolution
- Identify, analyze, and create plans of action for a multitude of business-critical issues supporting Gilead’s largest therapeutic area in its highest revenue-generating market.
- Monitor and track potential threats to Gilead’s business and reputation, and develop solutions to a wide range of complex problems requiring ingenuity, creativity, and innovativeness across Gilead’s HIV therapeutic areas in the U.S.
🌟 Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Drive collaboration and model intra-functional best practices with Public Affairs colleagues, as well as lead any cross-functional working groups involving Government Affairs, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Commercial teams.
- Establish and lead the development and management of a detailed workplan to assess progress against goals and course correct if required.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires exceptional project management skills, the ability to operate and drive results in a highly matrixed environment, and the ability to influence others and drive alignment across diverse teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
📚 Education:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, media relations, investor relations, business, policy, or a master's degree in communications, media relations, investor relations, business, policy, or corporate communications with relevant experience.
Experience:
- 14+ years of relevant experience, including 10-12 years of issues management and healthcare communications experience, or a master's degree with 10 years of relevant experience.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience and leadership expertise in high-stakes issues management, crisis communications, and media relations.
- Experience operating in an FDA-regulated industry, preferably at a biopharma company.
- Demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing communications for a publicly traded biopharma company.
- Highly strategic, innovative thinker with the ability to see emerging trends and turn ideas into actions.
- Proven track record of calm under pressure and tight deadlines, synthesizing complex information and turning it into actionable insights and plans.
- Ability to successfully drive initiatives from development to completion.
- Demonstrated passion for excellence and proven success developing and executing data-driven communications plans for large enterprises to achieve business and reputational objectives.
- Proactive and collaborative problem-solver with exceptional communications skills, and an experienced champion of diversity of thought and inclusive practices.
- Highly talented writer, editor, and storyteller with the ability to simplify complex topics into understandable, digestible content.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of the U.S. market access environment and knowledge of policies governing the pharmaceutical industry at the federal and state levels.
- Ability to interact with and counsel senior management, academic experts, and patient advocates appropriately, with confidence and professionalism.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to operate and drive results in a highly matrixed environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
💰 Salary Range: $221,000 - $286,000 per year
💰 Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
- Paid time off and discretionary annual bonus
- Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package, including company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, paid time off, and a discretionary annual bonus and stock-based long-term incentives. For more information, visit [Gilead's compensation and benefits page](https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing).
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level, experience, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company-specific factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
🏢 Industry: Biopharmaceuticals
🏢 Company Size: 10,001+ employees
🏢 Founded: 1987
🏢 Company Description: Gilead Sciences is a research-based biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases. With a focus on virology, Gilead has pioneered treatments for HIV, viral hepatitis, and COVID-19, and continues to advance its pipeline in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Gilead is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates individual differences and empowers employees to tackle global health challenges.
🏢 Company Specialties: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Research & Development, Clinical Trials, Medical Affairs, Marketing, Sales, Public Affairs, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
🏢 Company Website: [Gilead Sciences](http://www.gilead.com)
ASSUMPTION: Gilead Sciences' mission and values make it an attractive employer for individuals passionate about improving lives through innovative medicines and dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
🌟 Career Level: Senior-level role with significant strategic and leadership responsibilities.
🌟 Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Executive Director of U.S. Public Affairs and may oversee cross-functional working groups involving various departments.
🌟 Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement with a requirement to be based in either the Parsippany, NJ, or DC office.
🌟 Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Potential to drive strategic initiatives and make a significant impact on Gilead's reputation and business objectives.
- Exposure to a wide range of issues and challenges, fostering continuous learning and professional development.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a strategic and innovative thinker to make a significant impact on Gilead's reputation and business objectives, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
🏢 Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement with a requirement to be based in either the Parsippany, NJ, or DC office.
🏢 Office Location(s): Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, United States & Washington, District of Columbia, United States
🏢 Geographic Context:
- Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey: A suburban community located in Morris County, approximately 30 miles west of New York City. The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to major transportation networks.
- Washington, D.C.: The capital of the United States, located on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Virginia and Maryland. Washington, D.C., is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant political scene.
🏢 Work Schedule: Flexible work schedule with a requirement to be present in the office on a hybrid basis, with specific days and hours to be determined.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environment based on their individual needs and preferences.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
🌟 Typical Process:
1. Online application submission through the provided link.
2. Phone or virtual screening interview to assess qualifications and cultural fit.
3. On-site or virtual behavioral interview to evaluate problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and cultural alignment.
4. Final interview with senior leadership to discuss the role, company culture, and next steps.
🌟 Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage complex issues and make data-driven decisions
- Communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Cultural fit and alignment with Gilead's values and mission
🌟 Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the required qualifications for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills and qualities for this position.
- Research Gilead Sciences and the role of Senior Director, Public Affairs, U.S. Issues Management Communications to ensure a strong understanding of the company, its mission, and the responsibilities of the role.
- Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your unique qualifications and fit for the position.
ATS Keywords: Issues management, crisis communications, media relations, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, project management, healthcare communications, biopharmaceutical industry, FDA regulations, public affairs, reputation management, business-critical issues, cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, cultural fit, Gilead Sciences, U.S. market access, pharmaceutical industry, public policy, patient advocacy, academic experts, senior management, hybrid work arrangement, Parsippany, New Jersey, Washington, D.C.
ASSUMPTION: Success in the interview process requires a strong understanding of the role, the company, and the industry, as well as effective communication of your unique qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
- CRM and marketing automation tools (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are commonly used in the biopharmaceutical industry for communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
🌟 Company Values:
- Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our interactions.
- Inclusion: We foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
- Teamwork: We collaborate and support each other to achieve our shared goals.
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in our work and continuously seek to improve.
- Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and their impact on our colleagues, our company, and our patients.
🌟 Work Style:
- Strategic and innovative thinker, with the ability to see emerging trends and turn ideas into actions.
- Proactive and collaborative problem-solver, with exceptional communication skills and a champion of diversity of thought and inclusive practices.
- Highly talented writer, editor, and storyteller with the ability to simplify complex topics into understandable, digestible content.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to operate and drive results in a highly matrixed environment.
- Ability to influence others and drive alignment across diverse teams.
🌟 Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do your personal values align with Gilead's company values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
2. Describe a situation where you had to manage a complex, fast-moving issue, and how did you approach it to achieve a successful outcome?
3. How do you approach collaboration and building relationships with diverse teams, and can you provide an example of a successful cross-functional project you've led or contributed to?
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong cultural fit with Gilead's values and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
🌟 Challenges Specific to This Role:
- Managing complex, high-stakes issues that require quick decision-making and effective communication with various stakeholders.
- Balancing the need for proactive issue management with reactive crisis communication in response to unexpected events.
- Navigating a highly matrixed work environment and building strong relationships with cross-functional teams.
🌟 Challenges Specific to the Company/Industry:
- Operating in a highly regulated industry with strict guidelines for communication and marketing activities.
- Addressing public policy changes and their impact on the company's business and reputation.
- Managing reputational risks associated with clinical trial results, product recalls, or other unexpected events.
🌟 Challenges Specific to the Work Arrangement:
- Balancing the need for on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, ensuring effective communication and productivity in a hybrid work environment.
- Managing time zones and coordinating with team members in different locations.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential challenges, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills to navigate a complex, matrixed work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
🌟 How This Role Differs from Related Positions:
- Focus on issues management and reputation protection for a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, rather than corporate communications or marketing.
- Requirement to manage complex, high-stakes issues with minimal guidance, often under tight deadlines.
- Collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, academic experts, and patient advocates.
🌟 Industry-Specific Context:
- The biopharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, with strict guidelines for communication and marketing activities, requiring a strong understanding of FDA regulations and industry-specific policies.
- Reputation management is critical for biopharmaceutical companies, as negative publicity can have a significant impact on stock prices and patient trust.
🌟 Career Path Comparison:
- This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and refine strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills in a high-stakes, dynamic environment.
- Success in this role can lead to career advancement within Gilead's public affairs or communications functions, or to other senior leadership positions within the company.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and refine strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills in a high-stakes, dynamic environment, with the potential for career advancement within Gilead's public affairs or communications functions, or to other senior leadership positions within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
🌟 Project Examples Specific to This Role:
- Developing and executing a comprehensive issues management plan to mitigate risks to Gilead's business and reputation, with a focus on the company's largest therapeutic area in its highest revenue-generating market.
- Managing a high-profile crisis communication, requiring rapid decision-making, effective stakeholder engagement, and coordination with cross-functional teams to protect Gilead's reputation and business objectives.
🌟 Project Examples Specific to the Industry:
- Collaborating with academic experts and patient advocates to develop and implement a strategic communications plan to raise awareness of unmet medical, systemic, and social needs that Gilead's science and programs seek to address.
- Monitoring and analyzing media coverage to identify potential threats to Gilead's reputation and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential challenges, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills to navigate a complex, matrixed work environment.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
🌟 Questions Specific to Role Responsibilities:
1. Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex, high-stakes issue, and how did you approach it to achieve a successful outcome?
2. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines, especially when faced with unexpected issues or crises?
3. How do you ensure that your communications are accurate, compliant with regulations, and aligned with the company's overall business strategy?
🌟 Questions Specific to Team Structure:
1. How do you collaborate and build relationships with diverse teams, and can you provide an example of a successful cross-functional project you've led or contributed to?
2. How do you manage and motivate team members with varying levels of experience and expertise?
3. How do you ensure that your team is aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the organization?
🌟 Questions Specific to Company Culture:
1. How do you embody Gilead's company values in your daily work, and how have you seen these values reflected in the company's culture?
2. How do you approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in your leadership style, and can you provide an example of an initiative you've led to promote these principles?
3. How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and growth within your team, and how have you supported the professional development of your team members?
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong cultural fit with Gilead's values and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the provided link: [Gilead Sciences Job Application](https://gilead.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/gileadcareers/job/United-States---New-Jersey---Parsippany/Senior-Director--Public-Affairs--US-Issues-Management-Communications_R0045260-1)
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the required qualifications for this role.
3. Prepare for phone or virtual screening interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills and qualities for this role.
4. Research Gilead Sciences and the role of Senior Director, Public Affairs, U.S. Issues Management Communications to ensure a strong understanding of the company, its mission, and the responsibilities of the role.
5. Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your unique qualifications and fit for the position.
6. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
📝 Disclaimer
This job description is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract of employment. The information provided is subject to change without notice. The employer reserves the right to modify or terminate this job description at any time. The employer will make a final decision on hiring based on the qualifications and experience of the individual selected for the position.
