Assoc Director, Public Affairs

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

Reporting to the head of Public Affairs for Japan, this role is responsible for cell therapy including product and pipeline communications, patient relations and advocacy and related internal and corporate communications within Japan.　This position works closely with the cross-functional Kite cell therapy team in Japan and the global Kite Public Affairs team. This position will also work with the broader Gilead Public Affairs team at the global, regional and country level.

Specific Job Requirements

Setting communications and advocacy strategy to raise Gilead and Kite’s profile in alignment with global direction and local market input

Identifying and creating targeted thought leadership and differentiating opportunities to demonstrate Kite’s leadership in cell therapy, increase general awareness of and access to CAR T-cell therapy in addition to our commitment to cure for cancer patients

Designing and implementing CAR T-Cell Therapy awareness programs and advocacy activities

Communicating data and regulatory milestones that demonstrate Gilead and Kite’s commitment to developing transformative medicines

Developing compelling materials to support external communications, including the development of globally aligned materials, key messages, Q&A documents, press releases, presentations, videos, social media content, etc.

Developing/strengthening relationships with a wide variety of patient and community leaders, media and other influential organisations

Maintaining compliant, two-way communications with patient and community leaders to ensure patient needs are appropriately represented in our company programs

Coordinating with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment and collaboration in strategic priorities and messaging across different stakeholders

Responding to media requests and coordination of interviews with Gilead and Kite spokespeople and opinion leader spokespeople, as appropriate

Continuously scanning the environment to proactively identify and manage issues

Understanding the regulatory frameworks in Japan and compliantly managing internal approvals and interactions with reviewers

Managing agency partners and related budgets

Knowledge, Experience and Skills 

Ability to understand and accurately communicate complex science

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Demonstrated experience in media relations, issues management and internal communications; knowledge of healthcare and industry media and reporting trends

Demonstrated knowledge of regulations and principles specific to communications for a biopharmaceutical company

Experience managing multiple projects (timelines, budgets, priorities) simultaneously; flexibility and results-oriented focus are essential

Must have experience with communication tactics and resources and the relationship of those tactics to other department roles and functions, including Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access and Government Affairs

Ability to interact with senior management and high-profile experts appropriately, and with confidence and ease

Knowledge of the Japanese political/health policy environment, including processes and key stakeholders, is preferable

Oncology communication experience is preferable

Fluency in Japanese and English is essential

Patient advocacy experience is preferable

Typically requires a BA degree in communications, business or science-oriented field proven relevant experience, which includes ten+ years healthcare communication experience

Behaviours

Ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders to achieve objectives

Curious with a strong learning agility (the ability to rapidly study, analyze and understand new situations and business problems)

Operationally excellent and resilient in the context of a rapidly changing environment

Organised with systematic approach to prioritisation

Process orientated to achieve the business objectives

Gilead Core Value

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)

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.