Officer, Special Initiatives

Officer, Special Initiatives

Gates Foundation

August 12, 2025September 26, 2025SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Officer, Special Initiatives in the Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division plays a crucial role in supporting the design and implementation of strategic priorities at the division level. This position involves collaboration with six program teams to aid in major strategy development efforts, responding to emerging questions and priorities from the division President and Chief of Staff. The Officer will contribute to a team focused on ensuring strong practices in gauging strategy progress against key outcomes, researching relevant strategy-related topics, and bringing innovative approaches to strategy development. The role also includes leveraging insights to create engaging learning experiences and facilitating effective collaboration across teams. Reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation, the position is based in Seattle, WA, with a flexible hybrid work schedule that requires in-office presence 50% of the time. Relocation benefits are available for candidates moving to Seattle for this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Officer will provide leadership and support for projects addressing key strategic issues within the division, ensuring that these projects are analytically grounded and consider the division's resources and comparative advantages. Responsibilities include designing and conducting analyses related to strategy design, implementation, and measurement at both the division and program team levels. The Officer will collaborate with program teams and partners to enhance their strategy efforts, establish effective relationships with key partners within GGO and across the organization, and support external relationship management as needed. The role also involves preparing briefs based on existing evidence, providing written analyses for foundation management, responding to leadership requests, and developing quality learning experiences that are actionable and responsive to emerging insights. Additionally, the Officer will facilitate inclusive engagement among collaborators to inform decision-making and maintain knowledge management practices and assets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, along with significant experience in contributing to strategy efforts for large-scale global development projects. Preference will be given to those with expertise in private/public sector partnerships, upstream research and development, and service delivery. Experience working with partners in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, is highly desirable. Candidates should have domain expertise in one or more of GGO's focus areas, including Agriculture, Education, Nutrition, Digital Public Infrastructure, Inclusive Financial Systems, and Sanitation. Strong analytical skills, experience in structured problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively through written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to navigate organizational interests to successfully land complex projects and build strong relationships with decision-makers.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field is required, or equivalent demonstrated experience in a related area. This educational background should provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of global development and strategy implementation.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in strategy development and implementation, particularly in the context of large-scale global development projects. Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders in various contexts, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is crucial. The ability to maneuver through organizational interests and build relationships is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While no specific languages are mandated, proficiency in English is required. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus, such as French or Spanish, would be considered advantageous but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to work from the office 50% of the time. The salary range for this role is between $140,200 to $210,200 USD, with adjustments for high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C. New hires typically start between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range, depending on their skills and experience. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and provides equal opportunity to all applicants.
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