Sr Public Affairs Specialist

Job Description

Senior Public Affairs Specialist

At Gilead, Creating Possible drives everything we do. It’s evident in our mission and core values. This is how we built a culture of excellence that is fueled by a passion for improving the lives of people around the world and advancing the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.

We are driven to develop lifesaving products that make a difference for patients around the world. Every day, we to transform the promise of science and technology into breakthrough, innovative therapies that have the power to cure, prevent or treat disease. As a research-based bio pharmaceutical company, we are revolutionizing healthcare by bringing medicines to patients in the areas of high unmet need including HCV and other Liver diseases, HIV/AIDS, Hematology, Oncology, and Inflammatory Diseases. When you join Gilead, you join our mission to change the world by enabling people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

The Role:

The Public Affairs team is a critical function within Gilead Spain and Portugal, providing advice across internal and external communications, and patient advocacy. This team works across all therapy areas, corporate reputation, social media and external engagement.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Public Affairs, this person’s primary responsibilities will be:

Strategic Communications

• Helping to lead the implementation of corporate and internal communication strategies, ensuring alignment with global objectives and local market needs.
• Develop compelling messaging and communication materials (Q&A documents, press releases, executive presentations) to support corporate initiatives
• Strengthen corporate reputation by driving high-impact external engagement initiatives, including media relations and public affairs campaigns.

Corporate Giving & Grants Management

• Design and execute a strategic corporate giving framework aligned with Gilead’s business and social impact goals.
• Oversee the governance, compliance, and administration of all Public Affairs grant and donation programs.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to applicants, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Legal, Medical, Finance) to guarantee due diligence and full compliance in corporate donations.
• Coordinate the Grant Review Committee, ensuring efficient decision-making and transparent tracking of funding allocation.
• Optimize financial planning and reporting processes related to grant expenditures and corporate giving programs.
• Act as the primary liaison for external stakeholders and potential grant applicants, strengthening partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem.
• Act as a key point of coordination with internal stakeholders to ensure consistency and synergy across communication efforts.
• Provide strategic counsel on in-market public relations activities and corporate positioning

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Business, Public Affairs, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, or Corporate Giving
• A solid understanding of proven administration experience within a fast-paced team and proven ability to understand and clearly communicate on internal communications.
• Proven track record in managing corporate philanthropy, grant programs, and stakeholder engagement at a strategic level
• Sound judgment and analytical skills, and strong team player
• Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and financial stewardship within corporate giving programs
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to drive multiple high-visibility initiatives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior leadership and external partners
• Proven knowledge of pharmaceutical processes and systems would be advantageous
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess impact and continuously improve corporate giving strategies.
• Fluency in English is essential.