Senior Program Officer, Software & AI

Senior Program Officer, Software & AI

Gates Foundation

October 13, 2026October 27, 2026SeattleUnited 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 everyone should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, it emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, 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 Program Officer (SPO) for Software & AI will play a pivotal role in leading technical and strategic initiatives for software, digital health, and AI-enabled products within the Maternal, Newborn, nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Child Nutrition & Health (MNCNH) portfolio. This position is crucial for translating high-priority health use cases into effective products and platforms that are user-centered and deployable in low-resource settings. The SPO will oversee the development of clinical decision support tools, risk stratification applications, and other software solutions that enhance health system performance. A key focus will be on accelerating the integration of AI technologies with existing hardware investments to improve maternal and neonatal care. The SPO will collaborate with various stakeholders, including technical leads and country teams, to ensure that promising concepts are effectively transitioned from prototypes to scalable solutions, while also serving as a resource for broader Women’s Health initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will lead and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts related to software and AI-enabled products, overseeing all phases from sourcing to execution and reporting. Responsibilities include translating organizational priorities into actionable software product roadmaps, providing technical leadership throughout the software lifecycle, and guiding the development of AI tools. The SPO will define data structures for imaging and physiological data, assess integration requirements, and partner with various stakeholders to ensure that products are designed for local workflows. Additionally, the SPO will apply sound judgment regarding responsible AI practices, manage budgeting and risk, track portfolio progress, and represent the foundation at external engagements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in fields such as computer science, software engineering, or public health, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in developing and scaling software or AI-enabled products. Deep technical knowledge in areas like software architecture, AI/machine learning, and clinical decision support is essential. The ability to translate user needs into product requirements and work effectively with engineering teams is crucial, as is a strong understanding of responsible AI and data governance. Experience in low-resource environments and global health is highly preferred, along with excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant technical or clinical discipline is required, such as computer science, software engineering, biomedical informatics, or public health. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of software development and AI applications in health contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in the software and AI product development space, particularly in high-stakes applications related to health. This experience should include a proven track record of launching and scaling products, as well as familiarity with the unique challenges of deploying technology in low-resource settings.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the organization. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the foundation operates, such as Africa and South Asia.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Seattle, with a salary range of $212,800 to $329,800 USD, reflecting the high-wage market in this area. The foundation recognizes the importance of competitive pay while balancing its mission-driven goals. New hires typically start within the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their skills and experience. The role may require domestic and international travel up to 30% of the time. The foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and offers accommodations for candidates with disabilities. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.
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