Vice President, Federal Government 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   The Vice President, Federal Government Affairs   serves as the enterprise leader for Gilead’s engagement with the U.S. federal government, responsible for shaping and advancing Gilead’s federal engagement and advocacy strategies and ensuring alignment with corporate priorities across innovation,   access   and public health.      This leader translates complex legislative and regulatory dynamics into clear strategic direction, informing enterprise decision-making, risk management, and business planning .    The VP serves as the company's principal   strategist regarding and critical representative   to Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies, advancing Gilead's priorities through trusted, bipartisan engagement and ensuring the company   maintains   credibility and influence across changing political and policy environments.     As   a member of the Government Affairs Leadership Team   – reporting to the SVP, Global Government Affairs –   this role   contribut es   to enterprise-wide strategy, alignment, and execution , and acts a s a trusted advisor to senior leadership   on federal policy risks, opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.      Key responsibilities include:   Executive Leadership and Strategic Counsel   Advise   senior leadership on federal legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities and their implications for enterprise strategy.   Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, SVP Government Affairs, and executive team on federal policy dynamics and stakeholder engagement.    Contribute to enterprise-level Government Affairs strategy, alignment, and execution.   Prepare briefing materials and guide executive engagement with policymakers, industry trade   associations   and other stakeholders.   Federal Policy Strategy and Advocacy   Develop and execute a n integrated, comprehensive   federal government affairs strategy aligned with Gilead’s corporate priorities   and values , including innovation, access, affordability, and global health leadership.   Develop and sustain trusted, bipartisan relationships across Congress and the Administration to advance Gilead's policy priorities and strengthen the company's long-term influence and reputation.   Shape and influence policy outcomes through direct engagement with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, and key policy stakeholders across both political parties.   Build support for Gilead positions by engaging coalitions of aligned organizations.   Position the company as a credible, science-driven partner in policy discussions.   Anticipate and respond to evolving legislative, regulatory, and political dynamics   impacting   the biopharmaceutical sector .   Advocate for policies that support biomedical innovation,   equitable   patient   access, and   strong public health infrastructure , and p osition Gilead as a trusted thought leader on critical health policy issues .   Enterprise Integration and Business Impact   Translate policy developments into actionable insights for   business leaders   and   cross-functional   partners.   Partner cross-functionally to align policy priorities with business   objectives   and to maximize the impact of our advocacy.    Ensure c oordina tion across federal,   state   and international G overnment   A ffairs strateg ies.   External Engagement and Industry Leadership   Build and   maintain   strong bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, Administration officials, and federal agency leaders, ensuring Gilead is viewed as a trusted and credible partner regardless of changes in political leadership.   Lead   Gilead’s engagement with key industry trade associations,   including PhRMA and BIO,   to align advocacy strategies, shape industry positions, and amplify impact.   Develop and execute engagement plans for GA team and senior executives.   Team and Operational Leadership   Lead the   Federal   G overnment   A ffairs team, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture.   Oversee   external consultants, lobbyists, and advisors to ensure alignment with company and industry priorities.     Manage the Gilead Political Action Committee.   Ensure compliance with all lobbying, ethics, and political activity requirements.     Candidate Profile   The ideal candidate is a forward-looking government affairs leader who combines strategic vision with disciplined execution,   anticipating   political, legislative, and regulatory developments   multiple   years ahead and translating them into proactive advocacy strategies that advance business   objectives .   They bring the credibility, relationships, and political acumen to engage effectively across both parties, Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies, while building long-term champions and coalitions that strengthen Gilead's influence over time. Successful candidates will have   demonstrated   the ability to   maintain   trust, relevance, and effectiveness across political transitions and changing governing priorities.     Equally important, this leader is a strong people manager who thrives in a fast-moving environment, effectively prioritizing competing demands, delegating responsibility, and developing high-performing teams. They are action-oriented, agile in navigating shifting political dynamics, and skilled at converting complex challenges into clear direction,   timely   decisions, and measurable outcomes.     Qualified candidates will bring the following experience and   expertise :   15 +   years of   progressive leadership experience in   federal government affairs, public policy, or related   fields .    Significant experience   in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sector   strongly   preferred.   Proven success shaping   federal   legislative or regulatory outcomes , with established   relationships across Congress, the Executive Branch, federal agencies, and key industry associations.   Deep understanding of U.S.   healthcare policy,   legislative, regulatory, and appropriations processes.   Demonstrated success building and   maintaining   bipartisan relationships and advancing policy   objectives   across multiple administrations and congressional leadership cycles.   Deep   ability to translate complex policy environments into clear, actionable guidance for senior leadership .   Strong enterprise mindset with the ability to influence across a highly matrixed organization .   Executive presence and sound judgment, with experience advising senior leaders .   Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams and   managing external partners .   Exceptional written and verbal communication skills , including executive-level briefing and message development .   Passion for advancing scientific innovation and improving patient outcomes   and an u nwavering commitment to integrity, compliance, and ethical engagement.   In terms of the performance and personal competencies   required   for the position, we would highlight the following:   Setting Strategy   The ability to create and articulate an inspiring vision for the organization, not only for the areas   they   are   directly responsible   for,   but   the   enterprise as a whole .   The inclination   to   seek   and analyze data from a variety of sources to support decisions and to align others with the organization's overall strategy.   An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.   The ability to effectively balance the desire/need for broad change with an understanding of how much change the organization is capable of   handling,   to create realistic goals and implementation plans that are achievable and successful.   Executing for Results   The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.   Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.   A risk-taker who seeks data and input from others to foresee   possible threats   or unintended circumstances from decisions; someone who takes smart risks.   A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in   their   approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always   taking into account   what is best for the organization.   Leading Teams   The ability to attract and recruit top talent, motivate the team, delegate effectively, celebrate diversity within the team, and manage performance; widely viewed as a strong developer of others.   The ability to persevere in the face of   challenges, and   exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards, which commands respect from followers.   A leader who is self-reflective and aware of   their   own   limitations;   leads by example and drives the organization's performance with an attitude of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and self-improvement.   Relationships and Influence   Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others,   demonstrating   strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.   An ability to inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence, powerful charisma, passion in   their   beliefs, and active drive.   Encourages others to share the spotlight and visibly   celebrates   and   supports   the success of the team.   Creates a sense of purpose/meaning for the team that generates followership beyond   their   own personality and engages others to the greater purpose for the   organization as a whole .   Driving Sustainability   Firmly believes   that both sustainability and profit are in the organization’s best long-term interest.   Integrates economic, societal, and environmental factors into a purpose-driven strategy, turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.   Understands and incorporates viewpoints from all key stakeholders to drive decision making and share the benefits.   Delivers breakthrough innovations and business models that create value for all stakeholders, continually challenging traditional approaches.   Sets   audacious business and sustainability goals, driving concerted action and investments, and stays the course in the face of setbacks or push-back from short-term oriented stakeholders.   People Leader Accountabilities:   Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.   Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and co