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

About this role

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   As the primary Public Affairs liaison to the R&D organization, the V ice   P resident   will 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-management   expertise .  

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 Head s   of   Research and Development   and   other   leadership on reputation, transparency, disclosure readiness, and external dynamics   impacting   scientific and development priorities.  

• Establish annual   objectives , measurable KPIs, and   a performance   management 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 scientifically   accurate , 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 and   establishing   scalable playbooks.  

Scientific, Platform & Pipeline Narrative Development  

• Shape and steward an enterprise R&D narrative that reinforces Gilead’s scientific ambition, innovation platforms, and commitment to unmet medical   need .  

• 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 (as   appropriate for   Public 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).  

• Ensure   internal 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 and   appropriate governance .  

Data-Driven Decision Making & Measurement

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