Senior Manager, Philanthropic Partnerships

Senior Manager, Philanthropic Partnerships

Gates Foundation

December 22, 2025February 5, 2026SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. It was 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 global 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 employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Manager plays a crucial role in enabling the Philanthropic Partnerships Team to translate strategic vision into actionable plans. This position is situated within the Strategy, Planning & Management (SPM) function, which is responsible for driving strategy development, planning, performance monitoring, and operational excellence within the Foundation. The Senior Manager will guide business planning processes, manage the team’s investment portfolio, strengthen organizational systems, and lead initiatives aimed at improving business operations to enhance impact, alignment, and collaboration. The role involves working closely with a team of 41 individuals across the Foundation’s global offices and managing a budget of $47 million. The Senior Manager will oversee a team of four program assistants who support daily operations, ensuring that the team effectively meets its strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager will be responsible for several key areas:
  • Strategy and Governance: Drive the operational rhythm of the team, including annual governance moments, goal-setting, budgeting, resource allocation, and performance tracking. Collaborate with leadership to inform strategic pivots and translate goals into implementation plans across key geographies. Prepare for governance moments and compile strategy documents.
  • Portfolio Management and Operations: Oversee portfolio management, including investment pipeline planning and budget forecasting. Monitor progress against budgets and key resource decisions, partnering with internal stakeholders to enable data-driven decision-making.
  • Business Improvement and Project Management: Represent the team in cross-foundation forums, ensuring alignment and timely information flow. Manage business improvement projects that support annual planning and resource allocation.
  • People Management: Supervise and mentor a team of four program assistants, fostering a collaborative work environment and representing the team’s needs in broader planning processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in business administration, public policy, international development, philanthropy, or a related field, particularly in one of the Foundation’s priority geographies outside the US. Strong financial and operational acumen is required, including skills in budget planning, forecasting, and performance tracking. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to create structures that enhance clarity and transparency in decision-making processes. Exceptional project management skills, analytical abilities, and communication skills are essential, along with a proven track record in relationship management and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent experience is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be in fields related to business administration, public policy, international development, or philanthropy, aligning with the Foundation’s mission and priorities.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a strong understanding of business administration, public policy, international development, or philanthropy. Experience should include a focus on one of the Foundation’s priority geographies outside of the US, showcasing the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role. Additional languages relevant to the Foundation’s priority markets may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires the ability to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $186,400 and $288,800 USD, with higher ranges for positions located in Seattle and Washington D.C. Actual salary placement will depend on the candidate’s skills, experience, and expertise as assessed during the interview process. The organization is committed to a fair hiring process, which includes a background check for all new employees. Additionally, the organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all employment practices.
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