Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management

Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

December 5, 2025January 19, 2026SeattleUnited 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 organization emphasizes the importance of 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 communities. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
In the role of director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management (DDSPM), you will be integral to the strategic and operational framework of the Exemplars in Global Health (EGH) and the newly established Center of Excellence (COE) for Primary Healthcare. This position requires close collaboration with the Director to provide high-level strategic advice across the portfolio, ensuring operational excellence and integrated planning. You will lead a team that focuses on enabling business operations, strategic decision-making, and research command. Your responsibilities will include guiding strategic planning, managing annual budgets, overseeing portfolio management, and ensuring that both the COE and EGH workstreams are aligned to maximize impact. This role is pivotal in translating complex research into actionable strategies and fostering collaboration across various teams and stakeholders to enhance health outcomes globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the DDSPM, your duties will encompass serving as a strategic advisor to the Director, shaping team strategy and priorities, managing trade-offs, and identifying emerging opportunities. You will drive the integration of research insights across EGH and COE, ensuring alignment with health system strengthening and public health reform agendas. Your role will involve guiding the prioritization of research areas, translating research into actionable strategies, and facilitating collaboration among program teams and global research partners. You will lead a high-performing strategy, planning, and management team, ensuring effective operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives. Additionally, you will support change management, define operating models, and foster a culture of inclusivity and high performance within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public health, business administration, health economics, public policy, or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent experience. Familiarity with global health research is highly desirable. Comprehensive experience in leading complex initiatives with budget responsibilities at institutional or organizational levels is essential. Knowledge of strategy development and implementation, as well as expertise in structured problem-solving and strategic business planning, is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the global health research ecosystem and the ability to translate evidence into actionable strategies at both global and national levels. Experience in developing and managing partnerships and relationships, along with strong communication skills, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in relevant fields such as public health, business administration, health economics, or public policy. Candidates with MD, MPH, MBA, or PhD qualifications, or equivalent demonstrated experience, will be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of global health and the strategic planning necessary for effective health interventions.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in strategic and operational planning, particularly in leading complex initiatives with budget responsibilities. Experience in global health or development, especially in low-income settings, is strongly preferred. Familiarity with research or implementation science roles will be advantageous. The ability to inform portfolio design and management, as well as experience in managing strong partnerships, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the global nature of the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions in which the organization operates, to facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is an 11-month Limited Term Opportunity, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $233,600 to $362,200 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is $254,700 to $394,700 USD. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission, and new hires typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range based on their skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
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