Job Details

Job Title: Sr Director, Global Media Relations at Gilead Sciences

Location: Foster City, California or Parsippany, New Jersey.

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 – and continuing to lead with therapies that help improve lives. We're seeking a senior media relations expert to shape and execute Gilead's global media strategy, with focus on HIV leadership and oncology (including CAR T cell therapies).

This role will lead earned and paid media activations, advise cross-functional teams on external communications, and help elevate Gilead's corporate reputation and global health initiatives. The successful candidate will bring deep media expertise, top-tier relationships, strong storytelling, and the ability to simplify complex science and policy topics. The role reports to the Executive Director, Media Relations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of proactive global media relations strategies that support Gilead's Phase 3 pipeline and marketed treatments, with a focus on disease awareness, advocacy and scientific innovation.
• Drive media engagement strategies around medical congresses, such as ASCO, IAS, ESMO, and ASH.
• Partner with Product Communications to identify compelling storylines and insights that support ongoing media outreach that elevates Gilead's therapeutic leadership.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for top-tier media inquiries related to Gilead medicines, ensuring timely, consistent and accurate responses aligned with key business partners.
• Cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with top-tier media, trade publications, and consumer outlets to advance awareness of Gilead's pipeline, portfolio and corporate narrative.
• Lead earned and paid media activations that reinforce Gilead's corporate reputation and brand positioning, including media sponsorships. Collaborate across Public Affairs to ensure strategic alignment and amplification.
• Provide strategic counsel on external engagements such as conferences, panels, and sponsorships, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and identifying media opportunities to amplify key messages.
• Partner with Corporate Responsibility to amplify Gilead's impact through media storytelling, including initiatives tied to global health, community support, and the annual Business Impact Report.
• Support crisis communications planning and response, helping mitigate reputational risks and manage sensitive issues in collaboration with senior leaders and legal/regulatory partners.
• Leverage data-driven insights and external benchmarking to assess and refine media strategies, optimizing for reach, engagement, and reputational impact.
• Develop and refine media-facing materials such as press releases, key messages and talking points, to ensure clarity, accessibility and alignment with audience needs.
• Exhibit exceptional strategic writing skills in crafting corporate messages, standby statements, executive talking points and briefing materials, with the ability to independently generate high quality content.
• Deliver media training and coaching to executives, preparing them to confidently and effectively represent Gilead in high-profile and public engagements.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Commercial, Medical Affairs, Corporate Responsibility and Policy, to ensure cohesive messaging and maximize media opportunities.
• Execute the day-to-day operations of the global media relations team, ensuring seamless execution of media strategies and team collaboration.

Skills, Knowledge And Expectations

• Proven track record in media relations with established relationships across top-tier, trade, therapeutic and consumer outlets in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of product communications and lifecycle management, with the ability to maximize visibility around key milestones and scientific achievements.
• Ability to manage high-stakes projects under tight deadlines with agility and strategic judgment.
• Exceptional storytelling and writing skills, with the ability to simplify complex scientific and policy topics for diverse audiences.
• Represents Gilead as a spokesperson on media relations and cultivates relationships with global media and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a collaborative, cross-functional orientation.
• Drives cross-functional alignment and integrated communications across Public Affairs and other functions.
• Effectively manages agency partners and oversees media campaigns and programs.
• Shows strategic thinking to shape media plans that support corporate objectives and elevate Gilead's reputation.
• Supports crisis communications planning and response to mitigate reputational risks.
• Leads with a collaborative leadership style to inspire cross-functional teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 14+ years of experience, or
• Master's Degree and 12+ years of experience, or
• 12+ years' healthcare experience in communications, preferred.

Salary and Benefits

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. This position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

For Additional Benefits Information, visit:

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilead Sciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions will be made without discrimination. Our environment respects individual differences and encourages diversity of perspectives and experiences. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact ...@gilead.com.

For Current Gilead Employees And Contractors, please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.