Strategic Planning and Operations Manager

Strategic Planning and Operations Manager

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

September 13, 2025October 28, 2025SeattleUnited States
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation About
We are guided by the Gates family’s deeply held belief: that all lives have equal value. Our goal is to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation 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 community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the strategic and operational aspects of cross-divisional initiatives and division priorities that align with the foundation's 2045 ambitions. This includes engaging in strategic planning, annual budgeting, initiative management, and performance measurement. You will play a crucial role in ensuring alignment and integration across divisions, facilitating coherent decision-making, and monitoring progress towards long-term goals. Your work will involve analyzing program strategies, comparing investments, and developing frameworks that enhance decision-making processes at the division level. The position requires a proactive approach to cross-divisional planning and analysis, ensuring that the foundation's collective efforts are coordinated and innovative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include supporting cross-divisional planning and strategy processes, designing and leading special initiatives, and developing tools and dashboards for performance tracking. You will conduct scenario analyses to aid leadership in resource allocation and assess education technologies for strategic fit. Additionally, you will advise leadership on strengthening strategy and operational processes, elevate insights across teams, and facilitate process improvements. You will also lead high-profile initiatives, ensuring that measurement and evaluation objectives are met and fostering an inclusive culture within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with a Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated mastery in strategy development, portfolio management, and execution planning for complex initiatives is essential. Expertise in structuring ambiguity and framing complex decisions into actionable insights is required, along with skills in evaluating education technology products and models. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage partnerships effectively is also necessary. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are critical for engaging with senior leaders and synthesizing complex information.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. The educational background should ideally include studies related to strategic planning, management, or a relevant field that supports the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in strategic leadership and planning, with a proven track record of managing complex initiatives and driving change management processes. Experience in evaluating market technologies and leading cross-divisional projects is highly desirable. A background in philanthropy or nonprofit sectors may also be beneficial.

Languages:
While no specific languages are mandated, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in relation to the diverse populations served by the foundation.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position for 12 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $169,700 and $254,500 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven goals. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants.
Similar Jobs