Job Description
We are seekinga Privacy Counsel to support our US privacy compliance as well as some global support. This role is a key contributor to the global Privacy & Data Ethics (PDE) team, within the Office of Ethics and Compliance and is a trusted advisor to business and legal stakeholders on privacy compliance and risk management, helping the company meet its obligations under applicable privacy laws. The Privacy Counsel reports to the Head of Global Privacy and will work closely with the global privacy team to provide strategic and practical privacy advice across markets, including advising on privacy-by-design, supporting governance frameworks, and translating legal requirements into actionable business guidance.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:- Serve as a key member of the Privacy & Data Ethics team providing practical, business-aligned privacy advice across U.S. operations, with a focus on enabling responsible data use while managing risk.
- Act as a first-line point of contact for privacy inquiries, including monitoring centralized intake channels and triaging requests to determine appropriate response pathways (e.g., direct response, privacy risk assessment, or escalation).
- Provide timely, pragmatic guidance to business stakeholders on day-to-day privacy questions, including data collection, use, disclosures, marketing practices, vendor interactions, and individual rights.
- Support and advise on privacy risk assessments (PRAs), including helping to identify risk triggers, evaluating proposed processing activities, and escalating high-risk matters as needed.
- Partner closely with Privacy Operations and other cross-functional teams (e.g., IT, Security, Contracts, Compliance) to ensure that intake, assessment, and documentation processes operate effectively and consistently.
- Assist in the development and refinement of standard guidance, templates, and playbooks to improve consistency and scalability of privacy advice across the organization.
- Lead development of practical privacy training and awareness materials, translating privacy requirements into clear, business-friendly guidance for stakeholders.
- Serve as a primary privacy advisor on HIPAA-related matters, including advising the Benefits function on compliant use and handling of health data and supporting development of related program documentation.
- Develop subject-matter familiarity in key areas relevant to Gilead’s business, including health data considerations and emerging privacy risks, with the ability to advise on routine matters and escalate complex issues appropriately
Minimum Required Education and Years of Experience
- Bachelor's Degree and Eight Years’ Experience OR
- Masters' Degree and Six Years’ Experience OR
- Ph.D.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8+ years advising multinational organizations on privacy compliance, preferably in the technology, healthcare, financial, or digital sectors.
- Strong understanding of U.S. and global privacy regulations; IAPP certification (or equivalent) preferred.
- Proficiency with privacy management platforms (e.g., OneTrust, BigID, TrustArc, ServiceNow).
- Proven track record of project execution and process development, including implementation and ongoing management.
- Strong legal and business judgment, including drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills, with the ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to advise on HIPAA and health data privacy compliance, including supporting business functions (e.g., Benefits) and contributing to development of related policies, procedures, and guidance.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working effectively in a global, matrixed environment.
- Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities and independently navigate competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative team player with a positive, solutions-oriented approach and a bias for action in addressing privacy challenges.
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 coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose.
- Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.
About Us
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
