About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, Gilead has tackled some of the world's biggest health challenges, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Our relentless pursuit of innovative therapies has transformed lives, ensuring access to groundbreaking treatments across the globe. At Gilead, every team member plays a critical role in discovering and developing life-changing scientific innovations. We foster a culture of collaboration, determination, and bold ambition, empowering our employees to make a direct impact.

Role Overview

The Public Affairs Manager position in Tokyo, Japan, reports to the head of Public Affairs for Japan. This dynamic role oversees internal, corporate, and therapeutic communications, including product and pipeline updates, patient relations, and advocacy efforts within the Japanese market. Working closely with cross-functional teams, leadership, and global Public Affairs colleagues, you will demonstrate Gilead's leadership in virology and inflammation. This is an opportunity to shape strategic communications in a highly regulated environment, driving Gilead's mission forward in one of the world's key pharmaceutical markets.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will implement communications and advocacy initiatives with supervisor support, aligning with global strategies and local market insights. Key duties include communicating data and regulatory milestones in virology and inflammation, developing compelling materials such as key messages, Q&A documents, press releases, presentations, videos, and social media content. You will cultivate relationships with patient and community leaders, media, and influential organizations, maintaining compliant two-way communications to represent patient needs in company programs. Additional responsibilities encompass coordinating with cross-functional colleagues for messaging alignment, responding to media requests, managing interviews with Gilead and opinion leader spokespeople, navigating Japan's regulatory frameworks, planning internal and corporate communications, and overseeing agency partners.

Strategic Communication Development

Craft narratives that highlight Gilead's contributions to virology, oncology, and inflammatory diseases, ensuring all materials are compliant and impactful.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Build and strengthen ties with diverse stakeholders to amplify Gilead's voice and incorporate patient perspectives into programs.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates should bring over 10 years of communication experience in highly regulated, fast-paced industries, with demonstrated expertise in media relations, issues management, and knowledge of healthcare media trends. Experience in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare agency side is preferred. You must excel at managing multiple projects simultaneously, handling timelines, budgets, and priorities on time and within budget. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with fluency in Japanese and English. A BA degree in communications, business, or a science-oriented field is typically required. Behavioral traits include the ability to engage multiple stakeholders, strong learning agility, operational excellence, resilience in changing environments, organization, systematic prioritization, and a process-oriented approach to achieving business objectives.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional success. Enjoy competitive compensation with performance-based incentives, robust health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Employees have access to wellness programs, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies. Professional development is a priority, with tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and opportunities for global exposure. Join a company that values inclusion, where every employee feels empowered to grow and contribute to our shared mission.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career advancement is driven by your ambition and impact. As a Public Affairs Manager, you will gain visibility with senior leadership and global teams, positioning you for future roles in communications, public affairs, or broader corporate strategy. Our people leaders are key to evolving our culture, providing mentorship and development paths. With Gilead's focus on innovation in HIV treatments, oncology breakthroughs, and inflammatory disease therapies, your contributions will open doors to high-impact opportunities worldwide.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a team that's fighting the world's toughest health challenges. In Tokyo, you'll contribute to advancing therapies for virology, inflammation, oncology, and beyond, while working in a collaborative, inclusive environment. Experience the pride of making a tangible difference in patients' lives, supported by a company that invests in your growth and rewards excellence. Gilead's bold ambitions require passionate, determined professionals ready to create possible together.

Role FAQs

What is the reporting structure?

This role reports to the head of Public Affairs for Japan, with close collaboration across functions and global teams.

Is Japanese fluency required?

Yes, fluency in both Japanese and English is required for effective stakeholder engagement and compliant communications.

What industries qualify as 'highly regulated'?

Pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, finance, or similar sectors with strict compliance standards.

Are agency partners involved?

Yes, you will manage agency partners to support communication initiatives.

How does this role support Gilead's mission?

By amplifying Gilead's leadership in virology, inflammation, HIV, and oncology through strategic advocacy and communications.