Deputy Director, Leadership Engagement (Office of the President, Global Policy & Advocacy)

Deputy Director, Leadership Engagement (Office of the President, Global Policy & Advocacy)

Gates Foundation

February 25, 2026April 11, 2026Washington DcUnited States
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 within its workforce 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 employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation 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 for Leadership Engagement, you will report directly to the Director of Strategy, Planning & Management and the Chief of Staff. This position is hybrid, allowing for a mix of remote and in-office work in Washington DC. Your primary responsibility will be to act as the strategic architect for the GPA President’s leadership presence, ensuring that the President's voice and relationships are effectively utilized to meet the division's goals and the foundation's strategic priorities. You will lead the engagement agenda for the GPA President, enhancing the division's visibility and fostering high-impact external advocacy and partnerships. This role demands exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to mobilize diverse teams across a complex organizational structure. You will also manage the GPA's involvement in the Chair and CEO's external engagements, ensuring that their time and voice are strategically deployed in advocacy efforts. This full-time position is critical for driving the foundation's advocacy and voice initiatives, requiring a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Steward the GPA President’s leadership presence and visibility by shaping and managing their internal and external engagement agenda to advance GPA priorities and foster community within the division. Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile engagements, including major global events and strategic advocacy trips. Manage internal engagements, such as quarterly All-Staff meetings and annual retreats, and partner with Communications to develop impactful speeches and visibility strategies. Ensure alignment of the President’s engagements with strategic objectives and travel approximately 20% of the time.
  • Manage GPA’s role in Chair and CEO external engagement, coordinating strategic contributions to advocacy efforts and identifying opportunities for principal engagement that enhance GPA’s political relevance.
  • Drive the execution of the foundation’s annual Advocacy and Voice Plan (AVP), consolidating insights and priorities from across GPA teams and monitoring implementation to respond to emerging opportunities.
  • Lead cross-cutting advocacy initiatives and manage an external Strategic Advisory Group that provides strategic counsel to support the GPA President’s agenda.
  • Strengthen coordination with Communications and Executive Trips teams to ensure seamless messaging and planning across engagements.
  • Lead and develop the Leadership Engagement team, fostering a culture of collaboration and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree and have at least 15 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Significant expertise in global advocacy, policy communications, and executive management is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent coordination skills and the ability to drive collaboration across divisions, particularly with executive leadership. Experience in advocacy and leadership engagement, project management, and the ability to work effectively in a complex, matrixed environment are critical. Strong judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility are necessary, along with a commitment to the foundation's core values and ethical standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree is required for this position, which may include fields such as public policy, international relations, or a related discipline. The educational background should support the candidate's ability to engage with complex policy issues and advocacy strategies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of experience in relevant fields, including global advocacy, policy communications, and executive management. Experience in leading teams and managing cross-divisional initiatives is crucial, as is a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed environment. Candidates should also have a proven track record of successfully managing high-profile engagements and advocacy efforts.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the nature of the role. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the foundation's global operations and advocacy efforts.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with relocation support available for candidates not currently residing in the area. The role is not eligible for remote work. The salary range for this position is between $262,200 and $406,400 USD, with actual placement depending on the candidate's skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and encourages candidates with disabilities to request accommodations as needed.
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