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 breakthroughs in treating some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. The company discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need, with a strong focus on HIV treatments, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Gilead's portfolio includes revolutionary HIV prevention and treatment options, cures for hepatitis C, and advancing therapies for viral, inflammatory, and oncological conditions. With operations across North America, Europe, and Australia, Gilead unites passionate teams to confront public health challenges and improve patient lives for generations.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager, Public Affairs position at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, is a pivotal leadership role within the Public Affairs group. This full-time opportunity involves driving moderately complex corporate communications and product public relations programs. Reporting to senior leadership, you will shape Gilead's public image, support industry positioning, and collaborate across departments like marketing, medical affairs, and investor relations. Ideal for seasoned professionals with biopharma expertise, this role demands strategic thinking, media savvy, and the ability to manage high-stakes projects independently. Join a team that's at the forefront of advancing care for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media Relations

Develop and implement corporate and product media relations strategies to enhance Gilead's positioning among target audiences, leveraging deep knowledge of communications practices and internal resources.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Participate as a key member of cross-functional teams with senior colleagues to create and execute moderately complex strategies aligned with company goals, examining issues from a broad organizational view.

Content Creation and Distribution

Draft, distribute, and present news releases, presentations, and supporting materials with minimal oversight, while independently initiating programs to achieve public relations objectives.

Project and Vendor Management

Oversee moderately complex projects, evaluate and select external PR agencies, manage timelines, budgets, and execution to ensure seamless delivery.

Prioritization and Recommendations

Make recommendations to management, determine priorities within Public Affairs, and ensure alignment with FDA, SEC regulations, and biopharma best practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as Senior Manager, Public Affairs at Gilead, candidates need strong media experience, collaborative verbal skills for interactions with departments, executives, and press. Essential qualifications include expertise in public relations tactics, their integration with marketing, medical affairs, and investor relations, plus familiarity with FDA and SEC regulations in corporate communications. A robust understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry is required, alongside proven ability to evaluate vendors, manage multiple projects, budgets, and timelines. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are non-negotiable. Prior leadership in biopharma PR, especially in HIV, oncology, or inflammatory disease spaces, is highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package for the Senior Manager, Public Affairs role, including a competitive salary estimated at $180,000-$230,000 annually, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive health benefits. Employees enjoy robust wellness programs, generous paid time off, and family-friendly policies. Professional development is prioritized through leadership training, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry conferences. Gilead fosters an inclusive culture with employee resource groups, mental health support, and flexible work options. Additional perks include onsite fitness centers, catered meals, and stock purchase plans, ensuring holistic well-being while contributing to groundbreaking work in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders like the Senior Manager, Public Affairs are central to evolving company culture and empowering teams. This role offers pathways to executive public affairs positions, with opportunities to influence global strategies. Gilead invests in talent through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and cross-departmental exposure. High performers advance rapidly in a merit-based environment, gaining visibility with C-suite leaders. Your contributions to media strategies supporting HIV innovations or oncology breakthroughs position you for broader impact, making this a launchpad for long-term leadership in biopharma communications.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a mission-driven team tackling HIV, oncology, inflammatory diseases, and beyond. Every role, including Senior Manager, Public Affairs, directly impacts patients worldwide. Gilead's bold ambitions, collaborative spirit, and commitment to inclusion create an environment where ambitious professionals thrive. With a track record of cures and advancements, you'll work on high-visibility projects that shape public perception of life-saving therapies. Foster City headquarters offers a vibrant Bay Area location, blending innovation with work-life balance. Help create possible—together.

Role FAQs

What experience is required for this role?

Strong media relations, PR tactics in biopharma, FDA/SEC knowledge, and project management experience are essential.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Gilead offers competitive relocation support for qualifying candidates to Foster City, California.

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid model with collaborative teams focused on innovation in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

How does this role support Gilead's mission?

By crafting narratives that highlight therapeutic advancements and ensure access to treatments globally.

What are the next career steps?

Progress to Director or VP levels in Public Affairs, influencing enterprise-wide communications.