Sr Director, Global Media Relations
United States - New Jersey - Parsippany, United States - California - Foster City Public Affairs/Communications Regular
We are seeking an exceptional, experienced and strategic senior media relations expert to help shape and execute Gilead’s global media strategy, with a focus on our long-standing leadership in HIV and emergence as a leader in oncology (including CAR T cell therapies). This individual will serve as a key advisor and collaborator across product communications, advocacy, and policy teams, serving as the key media advisor for data and regulatory milestones, product launches, disease awareness campaigns, and product lifecycle management. This role will lead and support earned and paid media activations that elevate Gilead’s corporate reputation and amplify our global health and corporate responsibility initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep media expertise, trusted relationships with top-tier outlets, and bold storytelling instincts, along with the ability to simplify complex science and policy topics. The successful candidate should possess exceptional strategic writing skills with an ability to draft external communications materials, messaging, statements and other communications rapidly in response to inquiries and issues. This role will work cross-functionally to identify opportunities for executive visibility and external engagement, and will report to the Executive Director, Media Relations. This role is based in Foster City, California or in Parsippany, New Jersey.
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, including established relationships with top-tier, trade, therapeutic and consumer media outlets with keen expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated ability to influence media narratives and secure impactful coverage within the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Comprehensive understanding of product communications and lifecycle management, with the ability to develop and execute media relations strategies that maximize visibility around key milestones and scientific advancements.
- Ability to effectively manage, execute and deliver high-stakes projects and programs under tight deadlines, demonstrating agility, precision and strategic judgement.
- Exceptional storytelling and writing skills, with the ability to simplify complex scientific and policy topics into compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
- Serve as a Gilead spokesperson on media relations, representing the company with credibility and professionalism while cultivating influential relationships with global media, industry leaders, and external stakeholders.
- Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Play a lead role in connecting cross-functional teams, facilitating information sharing, and driving integrated communications efforts across Public Affairs and other key functions.
- Effectively manage agency partners, providing strategic direction, oversight and alignment to ensure successful execution of media campaigns and programs.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking and initiative in shaping media plans that align with corporate objectives that elevate Gilead’s reputation.
- Apply sound judgment and experience in supporting crisis communications planning and response, helping mitigate reputational risks and manage sensitive issues.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams and demonstrate strong leadership skills to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, alignment and a culture of excellence.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree and 14+ years of experience, or
- Master’s Degree and 12+ years of experience, or
- 12+ years’ healthcare experience working in-house or in an agency in the area of communications, preferred.