About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered therapies for some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. The company's innovative portfolio has transformed lives, with groundbreaking treatments like Biktarvy for HIV and Trodelvy for oncology. Gilead also advances therapies in inflammatory diseases, liver diseases, and beyond, ensuring global access to life-changing medicines. As a mission-driven organization, Gilead fosters collaboration, determination, and scientific excellence, making it a top destination for biotech careers.

Role Overview

The Senior Director, Medical Excellence Strategic Programs, is a pivotal leadership role within Gilead's Global Medical Excellence Team, part of the Global Medical Strategy and Operations organization. Based in Foster City, California, this position drives capability development, process excellence, and strategic alignment across the global Medical Affairs organization. Reporting to senior Medical Excellence leadership, you will partner across therapeutic areas, regions, and functions to design and implement frameworks that enable Medical Affairs teams to deliver consistent scientific and operational impact. Initially focused on enhancing Gilead's Medical Affairs Engagement Strategy, the role emphasizes translating strategic objectives into actionable, compliant engagement plans using channels like Field Medical, Medical Information, and digital/omnichannel platforms. This strategic enablement position improves how Medical Affairs operates, collaborates, and demonstrates value worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Excellence Leadership

Collaborate with the Medical Excellence Leadership team to define and execute the global Medical Excellence strategy. Lead initiatives that elevate the consistency, quality, and impact of medical engagement planning, execution, and measurement. Drive continuous improvement of Medical Affairs processes, tools, and operating models while partnering with teams in Digital, Insights and Analytics, Scientific Communications, and Medical Affairs Technology.

Worldwide Engagement Strategy Enablement

Develop and deploy frameworks, tools, and support to help local and regional teams translate global strategies into effective engagement plans. Define methodologies, templates, and tools for optimizing planning across Field Medical, Medical Information, and digital channels. Establish principles for channel selection, integration, and omnichannel approaches that align with scientific and compliance standards.

Process & Capability Development

Identify and enhance cross-functional processes to boost agility, effectiveness, and alignment. Lead projects to simplify workflows, clarify decision-making, and reduce duplication. Partner with Learning & Development to create training programs, toolkits, and playbooks that embed best practices, supported by feedback loops and metrics.

Collaboration & Change Leadership

Work closely with leaders in Field Medical, Strategy and Operations, and Medical Governance to ensure scalable processes. Advise global and regional medical teams, lead working groups, and foster a culture of excellence through influential change management.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need 15+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, biopharma operations, or related fields, with proven leadership in global strategic programs. A bachelor's degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or a related discipline is required, with an advanced degree (MBA, PharmD, MD) strongly preferred. Expertise in engagement planning, omnichannel strategies, process optimization, and compliance is essential. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, change management experience, and the ability to influence without authority are critical. Familiarity with Gilead's therapeutic areas—HIV, oncology, inflammatory diseases, and viral hepatitis—is highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package, including a competitive base salary estimated at $320,000-$380,000 annually, performance bonuses, and equity grants. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) with company matching, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off. Additional perks include onsite fitness centers, flexible work options, and employee stock purchase plans, supporting work-life balance and long-term financial wellness.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career advancement is a priority. As a people leader, you'll drive cultural evolution and employee empowerment. This Senior Director role offers visibility to executive leadership and opportunities to shape global Medical Affairs strategy. Gilead invests in professional development through leadership programs, mentorship, and cross-functional projects, positioning you for VP-level roles in biopharma.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to therapies that combat HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases, impacting millions worldwide. Foster City's state-of-the-art campus provides a collaborative environment with cutting-edge resources. Gilead's commitment to inclusion, innovation, and patient access makes it an ideal place for ambitious leaders to thrive.

Role FAQs

What is the initial focus of this role?

The role starts with strengthening Medical Affairs Engagement Strategy, evolving to broader capability advancements.

Is travel required?

Yes, occasional global travel to support regional teams and working groups.

What therapeutic areas does it cover?

All areas, including HIV, oncology, inflammatory diseases, with global scope.

How does this role ensure compliance?

By embedding compliant frameworks in engagement planning and partnering with Medical Governance.

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