Associate Director, Public Affairs

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Job Description

A ssociate Director, Public Affairs – Canada

Role Summary

Reporting to the Head of Public Affairs Canada, this role is accountable for shaping and delivering Gilead’s public affairs strategy across Canada.

The Associate Director leads integrated communications   and   stakeholder engagement, particularly in oncology, ensuring Gilead’s external engagement is credible, aligned and grounded in the needs of patients and the healthcare system.

This role   operates   at the centre of cross-functional teams in Canada and collaborates closely with regional and global colleagues to drive impact, support access to innovation and strengthen Gilead’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

Strategic Communications & Campaign Leadership

Leads the development and delivery of integrated public affairs and communications programs across priority therapy areas, with a focus on oncology   and cell therapy

Designs and implements creative, patient-centric disease awareness and communication campaigns

Supports product launch communications (regulatory and reimbursement), ensuring alignment with brand and enterprise strategy

Translates complex scientific, clinical and policy topics into clear,   credible   and impactful narratives across channels

Stakeholder & Patient Engagement

Builds and   maintains   strategic relationships with patient organisations, advocacy   groups   and key healthcare stakeholders

Leads patient advocacy initiatives and co-created, multi-channel engagement programmes

Represents   Public Affairs within cross-functional brand teams and governance forums

Media Relations & Issues Management

Leads proactive and reactive media engagement, building strong relationships with healthcare and national media

Oversees development of high-quality communications materials (e.g. press releases, leadership content, presentations)

Manages media enquiries and coordinates interviews with Gilead and external spokespeople

Leads issues management planning and response for complex or sensitive topics

Policy & External Environment

Supports engagement with federal and provincial stakeholders to help shape the healthcare and access environment

Ensures external activities are aligned to broader policy priorities and grounded in patient need

Cross-functional Leadership & Execution

Drives alignment across Medical, Market Access, Commercial and   Government Affairs   to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated delivery

Partners with regional and global teams to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and guidance

Leads agency engagement, providing strategic direction and ensuring high-quality execution

Manages multiple programmes,   timelines   and budgets to deliver against agreed objectives

Governance, Compliance & Operational Excellence

Ensures all activities   comply with   Canadian regulations, internal   policies   and external codes

Applies strong understanding of communications requirements within a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company

Ensures consistency and quality across all external communications and engagement activities

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

Experience & Technical Expertise

8 +   years   experience   in public affairs,   communications   or government relations   ideally    within   pharma or healthcare

Experience in oncology or strong understanding of the oncology landscape   in Canada

Strong   experience in media relations and issues management, including knowledge of   Canadian   healthcare media environment

Experience developing and executing integrated, multi-channel communications and social media campaigns

Experience supporting product launches, including regulatory and reimbursement phases

Strong understanding of the Canadian healthcare,   policy   and access environment

Skills & Capabilities

Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling communications

Strong stakeholder engagement capability, particularly with patient organisations and advocacy groups

Strong project management skills, including managing multiple priorities,   budgets   and timelines

Excellent written,   verbal   and interpersonal communication skills

Confidence engaging senior leaders, external   experts   and high-profile stakeholders

Leadership & Ways of Working

Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability for delivery

Collaborates effectively across functions and geographies to achieve shared outcomes

Exercises sound judgement in a complex and evolving external environment

Maintains strong external focus, understanding what matters for patients and the healthcare system

Delivers with pace,   clarity   and consistency

Why   this role

This role offers the opportunity to play a leading role in shaping Gilead’s external engagement in Canada, particularly in oncology, where the environment is evolving rapidly.

The Associate Director will contribute not only to effective communications, but to meaningful engagement that supports patients, strengthens the healthcare   system   and advances access to innovation.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

The salary range for this position is CAD $158,355 - $204,930 annually. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary target annual bonus. Gilead determines base compensation by considering factors such as experience, qualifications, and geographic location. As a result, actual compensation may vary.

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