Executive Director, Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please log onto your Internal Career Site to apply for this job.

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
 

Executive Director, Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

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.

We are seeking a strategic and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director of Internal Communications & Employee Engagement. This role is responsible for shaping and executing enterprise-wide internal communications and employee engagement strategies that align with Gilead’s business goals, inspire employees, and foster a sense of pride and belonging across the global organization.

As the Head of Internal Communications & Employee Engagement, this individual will focus on driving strategy, providing guidance, and executing a consistent, long-term vision for internal communications and engagement. They will lead efforts to inform, engage, and inspire employees while supporting change initiatives and celebrating Gilead’s culture and achievements.

Essential Duties and Job Functions

Internal Communications

• Establish and lead the strategic vision and execution of Gilead’s internal communications to ensure alignment with the company’s mission, goals, and values.
• Drive the implementation of targeted internal messaging initiatives to support clarity and alignment around enterprise-wide changes, including change management communications, integration efforts to align new team members following acquisitions, and culture-focused programs (e.g., Inclusion & Diversity campaigns).
• Partner with the Executive Directors of Leadership Communications and Corporate Content and Channels to provide Operating Group and people leaders with messaging, materials, and training needed to address corporate news, change management and HR directives.
• Partner with the Executive Director of Corporate Content and Channels to develop stories and ensure important information and messaging reaches all employees.
• Act as a strategic partner to key stakeholders, including HR, IT and the Corporate Operations Leadership team, to align internal communications with broader business initiatives.

Employee Engagement

• Design and lead employee engagement strategies that inspire and celebrate 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 promote alignment with Gilead’s business strategy.
• Ensure consistent employee engagement experiences across the enterprise while allowing for appropriate local tailoring.

• Foster a sense of connection between employees, Gilead’s Leadership Team, and the company’s mission, culture, and community impact.

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to a team of internal communications and engagement professionals.
• Focus on long-term planning, leveraging data and insights to refine strategies that enhance employee engagement and communication effectiveness.
• Collaborate across Public Affairs, HR, Gilead’s Leadership Team, and other functions to ensure alignment and integration of efforts.
• Lead internal crisis communications during incidents that impact employee well-being and/or site issues, ensuring clear and consistent messaging that supports employees and minimizes disruption.

Skills, Knowledge and Expectations

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic internal communication plans that align with organizational goals and drive employee engagement.
• 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.
• Proficiency in change management strategies to navigate organizational transformations and effectively communicate with employees during transitions.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 16+ years of experience, or
• Master’s degree and 14+ years of experience, or
• 15+ years’ healthcare experience working in-house or in an agency in area of communications, preferred.

Behaviours

• Ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders to achieve objectives. 
• Curious with a strong learning agility (the ability to rapidly study, analyses and understand new situations and business problems). 
• Operationally excellent and resilient in the context of a rapidly changing environment.
• Organised with systematic approach to prioritization.
• Process orientated to achieve the business objective. 

Gilead Core Values 

• Integrity (always doing the right thing), 
• Teamwork (collaborating in good faith), 
• Excellence (working at a high level of commitment and capability) 
• Accountability (taking personal responsibility). 
• Inclusion (encouraging diversity) 

Location

Foster City, CA (On-site)

The salary range for this position is: $281,010.00 - $363,660.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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As an equal opportunity employer, Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, 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 [email protected] for assistance.
 

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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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.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please log onto your Internal Career Site to apply for this job.