President, U.S. Program

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The President of the U.S. Program at the Gates Foundation is responsible for leading the foundation's education strategy aimed at enhancing upward mobility through educational attainment in the United States. This role involves setting the vision and strategy for the division, overseeing its operational model, culture, talent management, partnerships, and investments. The President will guide the division through significant organizational changes, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and immediate milestones. The position requires strong leadership skills to build trust, foster accountability, and manage a high-performing team. The President will also engage with various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and community organizations, to implement evidence-based solutions that improve educational outcomes and reduce inequities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The President will lead the U.S. Program's strategy to transform education into a vehicle for upward mobility. Responsibilities include translating long-term ambitions into actionable strategies, overseeing grant approvals, making strategic trade-offs, and ensuring that initiatives are grounded in evidence and equity. The President will also manage an integrated portfolio that spans K-12 education, postsecondary learning, data infrastructure, and advocacy. They will cultivate relationships with senior leaders across various sectors, represent the foundation externally, and ensure alignment of partner strategies with the division's goals. Additionally, the President will lead the division through organizational evolution, strengthen talent management, and ensure effective governance and operational execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess deep executive judgment and a proven track record of advancing institutional priorities in complex environments. Extensive experience in leading large, multi-disciplinary teams through strategic changes is essential. A strong understanding of U.S. education and economic mobility systems, along with the ability to translate long-term goals into coherent strategies, is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to build high-trust relationships with stakeholders and lead through ambiguity and organizational transitions. A commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as the ability to use data and evidence to inform strategy, is crucial.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required, with an advanced degree preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should have a strong educational background that supports their understanding of the complexities of U.S. education and economic systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience leading large, complex organizations, particularly in the education sector. A history of managing significant budgets and grants, as well as experience in system-level changes across various contexts, is essential. Proven leadership skills in building and developing senior teams and fostering high-performance cultures are also required.

Languages:
While no specific language requirements are mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory given the nature of the role and the audience it serves. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a salary range of $800,000 to $1,100,000 USD, depending on the candidate's skills and experience. The foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role, and candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the United States. The hiring process includes a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience, accommodating candidates with disabilities as needed. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.