Deputy Director, Legal (Tax)

Deputy Director, Legal (Tax)

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

November 11, 2025December 26, 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 on a global scale. Founded on the principle that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of the populations it serves. It offers an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, a foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various communities. The foundation is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Legal (Tax) will play a crucial role in providing sophisticated and practical legal advice concerning the laws applicable to U.S. private foundations. This position involves overseeing the development and continuous improvement of investment-related guidance for the Legal division, ensuring effective coordination within the division and with key stakeholders across the foundation. The Deputy Director will also be responsible for developing and implementing a training strategy for legal guidance in collaboration with other Legal team members. Additionally, the role includes advising on the proper structuring and management of complex grants, contracts, program-related investments, and other collaborations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies that govern the foundation's global operations. This position requires a proactive approach to legal advice, integrating strategies and goals into compliance strategies that align with the foundation's risk tolerance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will serve as the legal relationship manager for stakeholders, particularly in relation to grants and direct charitable expenditures, and will oversee investment compliance policies and practices. Responsibilities include developing and implementing a knowledge management strategy for tax and investment compliance guidance, engaging with foundation colleagues to align legal advice with organizational strategies, and creating training programs for staff on legal and compliance issues related to transactions and global investments. The role also involves identifying and advising on legal issues across various subject areas, specializing in tax-exempt organization laws, and maintaining cross-foundation policies and practices regarding investment compliance. The Deputy Director will manage a team of legal professionals, collaborate with the Legal Leadership Team, and provide guidance on structuring, negotiating, and drafting complex transactions. Additionally, the Deputy Director will demonstrate expertise in resolving complex legal issues, establish trust with key partners, and manage outside counsel as necessary, with some travel required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree and current bar membership in good standing. A minimum of 10 years of experience in the practice of law is required, with proven expertise in the laws applicable to tax-exempt organizations operating globally. Substantial in-house experience with a private foundation is essential. Candidates should demonstrate outstanding drafting and negotiating abilities, strong business acumen, and a client-focused approach. The ability to work flexibly and collaboratively, along with strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and effective communication abilities, is crucial. Candidates should exhibit intellectual curiosity, discipline, resourcefulness, and resilience, along with a self-motivated attitude and a passion for the foundation's mission. The highest standards of ethics and integrity are expected, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located without visa sponsorship.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Candidates must also hold current bar membership in good standing, which is essential for practicing law in the relevant jurisdiction.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of legal practice experience, with a strong emphasis on expertise in the laws governing tax-exempt organizations. Candidates should have substantial in-house experience, particularly within a private foundation, to ensure they are well-versed in the unique legal challenges and compliance issues faced by such organizations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as essential due to the nature of the role and the foundation's operations. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, particularly if they align with the foundation's global outreach and diverse stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
The salary range for this role is between $293,200 to $454,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions located in Seattle and Washington D.C. where the foundation's offices are situated. The specific salary placement will depend on the candidate's job-related skills, experience, and expertise as evaluated during the interview process. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application process. The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably.
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