Senior Strategy Officer

Senior Strategy Officer

Gates Foundation

October 14, 2026October 25, 2026SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Established with the mission that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with no 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:
The Senior Strategy Officer position is integral to the Foundation's U.S. Program, which collaborates with partners to ensure individuals navigating U.S. education systems and job markets can acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and agency to thrive in their communities. The role involves serving as a strategic and operational thought partner to senior leaders and colleagues, shaping and refining strategies, translating priorities into coordinated actions, and enhancing execution. The Senior Strategy Officer will synthesize complex information, identify connections and trade-offs, and develop plans, processes, analyses, and decision-support tools that facilitate the transition from strategy to results. The position encompasses various teams within the U.S. Program, including Advocacy & System Improvement, Data & AI, and the Office of the President, each with distinct focuses but requiring similar core capabilities and qualifications. Candidates are encouraged to express their preferences for specific teams in their cover letters, and relocation assistance is available for those not currently within commuting distance of Seattle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Strategy Officer will partner with senior leaders and colleagues to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, portfolio approaches, operating rhythms, and measurable outputs. Responsibilities include developing a deep understanding of assigned strategies and portfolios, leading or supporting complex strategy projects, coordinating across program and functional teams, synthesizing information to provide insights and recommendations, designing and conducting analytical work, maintaining decision-making tools and dashboards, preparing and facilitating leadership engagements, and identifying opportunities to enhance processes and workflows. The role may also involve managing a network of external strategy resources and contributing to cross-team priorities and special initiatives. Additionally, the Senior Strategy Officer may provide portfolio and investment management support, including tracking, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, and resource allocation assessments. Domestic travel of up to 10% may be required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Significant experience in strategy development, execution, portfolio management, management consulting, or strategic planning is essential, particularly in leading complex initiatives that require structured problem-solving. The ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and processes is crucial, as is the capacity to conduct and synthesize quantitative and qualitative analyses to inform decision-making. Experience managing cross-team coordination and partner relationships is necessary, along with strong communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to build trusted relationships across teams and functions in a complex organization and possess strong project and process management skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree is required for this position, although an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. The educational background should ideally align with the strategic and analytical demands of the role, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to navigate complex problems and contribute effectively to the Foundation's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in roles related to strategy development, execution, and portfolio management. This includes leading complex initiatives that require structured problem-solving and the ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans. Experience in management consulting, strategic planning, or related fields is highly valued, as is familiarity with U.S. education, workforce development, public policy, or philanthropy, although this is not mandatory for all roles.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly in contexts where diverse stakeholder engagement is necessary.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Seattle, WA, and candidates not currently residing within a commutable distance may receive relocation assistance. The salary range for this role is between $190,100 and $294,700 USD, with higher ranges for positions in Seattle and Washington D.C. New hire salaries typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range, depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and expertise. The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role, and employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience, offering accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions.
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