Senior Director, Public Affairs

Senior Director, Public Affairs Canada  Canada - Ontario - Mississauga Public Affairs/Communications Regular

Job Description  At Gilead Sciences Canada Inc. we take pride in being recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employer 2024.  to find out why Gilead Sciences Canada is a top employer!
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.

The Role  Reporting to the head of Public Affairs for Australia, Canada and Europe (ACE), Senior Director, Public Affairs Canada is responsible for the conception and delivery of strategic branded and unbranded communication programmes, community engagement, corporate giving, plus corporate and employee communication intended to protect and enhance Gilead’s corporate reputation while helping us to become the biotech employer and partner of choice.
This role is a member of the Canadian cross-functional leadership team and the ACE Public Affairs Leadership Team, working closely with Public Affairs colleagues within ACE and globally.
How you will Create Possible  Responsible for the development and execution of Gilead Canada’s communications strategy, in alignment with global direction and local leadership, in support of the product portfolio and business objectives, anticipating short-medium and long-term needs. This role covers a wide range of areas including media relations, digital, reputation management, issues and crisis management, brand/therapeutic area communications, corporate communications, and employee engagement.
Provide strategic input and advice to the General Manager and Canada Leadership Team.
Partner with the General Manager and Canada Leadership team to build and execute on the affiliate business goals and objectives.
Provide strategic oversight on product and therapy area communications.
Design and implement strategic programs and tailored narratives that proactively communicate Gilead’s perspective and shape corporate reputation.
Develop, strengthen and maintain key relationships with a wide variety of community advocates, organizations and professionals and champion patient engagement in appropriate cross-functional projects.
Enhance Gilead’s profile among industry associations, media, and other influential organizations in Canada.
Coordinate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment and collaboration in strategic priorities and messaging across different stakeholders.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business press, consumer media, key industry opinion leaders and external stakeholders.
Respond to media requests and coordinate interviews with Gilead spokespeople and external spokespeople as appropriate.
Issues mitigation and management.
Drive internal communications and employee engagement by proactively driving ideas and programs that support culture evolution.
Partner with the General Manager, HR Business Partner and the broader cross-functional team to execute on business-critical internal events such as National Business Meeting, People Leader Summit, etc.
Manage the performance and ongoing development of three team members, including 2…