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
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 1987. Together we deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need. With the commitment and drive you bring to the workplace every day, you will be part of a team that is changing the world and helping millions of people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our worldwide staff is a close community where you can see the tangible results of your contributions, where every individual matters, and everyone has a chance to enhance their skills through ongoing development. Our scientific focus has resulted in innovative treatments that are benefiting millions of people, a pipeline of both early- and late-stage drug candidates, and unmatched patient access programs to ensure medications are available to those who could otherwise not afford them. By joining Gilead, you will further our mission to creating a healthier world for all people.
Gilead is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Enterprise & Employee Engagement. This role is pivotal in shaping and executing a proactive and comprehensive internal communications and employee engagement strategy that aligns with Gilead’s business goals, inspires employees, and fosters a deep sense of pride and belonging across the global organization.
As the Head of Enterprise & Employee Engagement, this leader will drive a unified strategy, provide expert guidance, and execute a consistent, long-term vision across internal communications, talent engagement, leadership communications, and R&D communications. They will spearhead efforts to inform, engage, and energize employees, supporting change initiatives and celebrating Gilead’s culture, values, and achievements. Additionally, this role will establish a forward-thinking approach to science, innovation, and pipeline storytelling—deepening employee connection to Gilead’s mission and strengthening the company’s external leadership in these critical areas. They will oversee a global team of approximately 10 professionals, collaborating closely with agency partners and senior business leaders. This highly visible leadership role reports to the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and is based at Gilead’s headquarters in Foster City, CA.
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
Internal Enterprise Communications
Define and lead the strategic vision and execution of Gilead’s internal communications across the entire enterprise to ensure alignment with our mission, values and strategic priorities.
Lead enterprise-wide messaging initiatives that support clarity, change adoption, and cultural cohesion – including the integration of new employees and inclusion.
Partner with leaders across Public Affairs and business functions to ensure people leaders are equipped to communicate critical news, priorities, and HR initiatives with consistency and impact.
Guide storytelling strategies that connect employees to company goals, while ensuring messaging is accessible, resonates with employees, and is well-distributed across channels, including digital channels (i.e., employee intranet, digital screens).
Act as a trusted and strategic partner to key stakeholders, including HR, IT and Operations Leadership teams, to embed communications into key business initiatives and transformation efforts.
Employee Engagement & Talent
Design and lead employee engagement strategies that inspire, recognize and connect Gilead’s global workforce through meaningful programs and events, such as State of Gilead, Science Day, and enterprise-wide celebrations.
Partner with HR to co-create and activate cultural and engagement priorities through communications that reinforce alignment with Gilead’s business strategy and values.
Ensure a consistent employee engagement experiences across the enterprise while allowing for appropriate local customization.
Foster a strong sense of connection between employees, Gilead’s Leadership Team, and the company’s mission, culture, and community impact.
Partner with HR and Talent Acquisition to ensure employee engagement strategies that contribute to a strong employer brand and that supports attracting and retaining top talent.
Leadership Communications
Work with the Gilead Leadership Team (GLT) and other senior leaders across the company to raise their profiles and drive internal alignment on Gilead’s business goals and culture.
This includes: developing content for internal messages, posts, videos, and internal events; creating an editorial calendar for leaders’ communications; overseeing executives’ internal communications channels and social media; and planning and executing internal events such as town halls.
Work with Gilead’s issues management teams to drive internal crisis communications during incidents that affect employee well-being, site operations, ensuring timely, clear and consistent messaging that supports employees and minimizes disruption.
R&D Communications
Lead science-based storytelling and develop clear and compelling messaging that helps employees, media, investors, advocacy groups, and patients understand innovative scientific developments.
Partner with R&D function leadership to communicate Gilead’s vision and strategy as it relates to its [pre-clinical and clinical stage] pipeline.
Work with Corporate Communications’ media relations and content teams to develop and publish content such as press releases, digital / video content, and thought leadership articles by Gilead R&D executives.
Support R&D leadership at scientific congresses and events, partnering with Corporate Communications’ media relations team and with Investor Relations.
Skills, Knowledge and Expectations:
Deep understanding of enterprise-level communication planning, including change, culture and transformation.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic internal communication plans that align with organizational goals and drive employee engagement.
Experience coaching executives, shaping their voice, and developing messaging that inspires.
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to connect employee-focused initiatives with broader business objectives.
Exceptional storytelling and writing skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics and craft compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audiences.
Leadership skills to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and alignment.
Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to partner across functions and influence stakeholders.
Ability to effectively manage and execute high-stakes projects and programs under tight deadlines.
Skills in managing sensitive messaging related to incidents, disruptions or organizational change.
Proficiency in change management strategies to navigate organizational transformations and effectively communicate with employees during transitions.
Ability to think long-term while navigating immediate business needs.
Analytical skills to assess employee engagement metrics and feedback, using insights to inform communication strategies and measure success.
Strong project management capabilities, with a proven ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and execute them effectively.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of 15 years overseeing internal communications functions, preferably with a life sciences background and global experience.
Track record of developing and executing effective employee engagement campaigns.
Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams, individuals and leaders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong understanding of digital, social media, and other modern communications strategies.
Previous experience in a for-profit healthcare company.
Location: Foster City, CA (On-site)
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.