Deputy Director, People Global Operations

Deputy Director, People Global Operations

Gates Foundation

November 6, 2026December 21, 2026SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting 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 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 a workplace environment that promotes both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
As the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of People Global Operations, you will play a pivotal role in leading the delivery and continuous improvement of core People operations and services across the Foundation's global workforce. This position is crucial for ensuring that HR processes, systems, and services are efficient, consistent, compliant, and responsive to the needs of both employees and the organization. You will oversee a team responsible for critical People operations, which include managing employee lifecycle processes, HR systems administration, compensation operations, recruiting operations, and service delivery. Collaborating with People leadership, IT, Legal, and regional partners, you will work to enhance operational effectiveness, clarify accountability, and ensure a high-quality employee experience. Additionally, you will lead initiatives to modernize People operations by simplifying processes, enhancing systems, and leveraging automation and emerging technologies, including AI. Your role will require making data-informed decisions and managing change effectively to build a scalable and sustainable operating model that aligns with the Foundation's global mission. In a dynamic environment where priorities and needs are constantly evolving, your agility and adaptability will be essential in guiding your team through ambiguity and change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In this role, you will be responsible for leading global People operations across various employee lifecycle transactions, HRIS administration, compensation operations, recruiting operations, and related services. Your key responsibilities will include establishing service standards, service-level agreements, performance indicators, and continuous improvement practices while utilizing operational insights and employee feedback to enhance service delivery. You will ensure that People policies, procedures, controls, and operational documentation are current and consistently implemented in collaboration with Legal and relevant regional and functional experts. Additionally, you will oversee recruiting operations processes and enabling technology, ensuring consistent workflows, platform enhancements, and effective vendor relationships. You will set priorities for the modernization of People operations, identifying and implementing process improvements, automation, and AI-enabled solutions with measurable outcomes. Partnering with IT, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, privacy, and governance stakeholders, you will evaluate technologies and ensure the responsible use of AI and employee data. You will lead cross-functional initiatives and change management efforts across global locations, balancing common standards with local regulatory and operational needs. Advising People and organizational leaders on operational risks, tradeoffs, resources, and decisions will also be part of your responsibilities, as you anticipate downstream effects across interconnected People processes. Furthermore, you will lead, develop, and coach your team, setting expectations, managing capacity, addressing escalated issues, and fostering inclusive collaboration and accountability. You will oversee the implementation and adoption of improvements, monitoring results, and adjusting approaches to sustain service quality and organizational impact.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including a proven track record of leading teams and delivering complex operational improvements or large-scale change initiatives. Experience in global or multi-location environments is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate leadership in HR operations, shared services, HR technology-enabled service delivery, or related enterprise functions. A strong background in working with senior leaders to evaluate options, communicate risks and tradeoffs, and support consequential decisions is essential. Familiarity with HRIS and service management platforms, particularly Workday and Zendesk or comparable enterprise systems, is preferred. Candidates should also have a demonstrated success in improving processes and implementing technology-enabled solutions, including automation, and experience in evaluating AI use cases and responsible adoption is valued. A strong understanding of HR operations, compliance considerations, and the intersection of systems, policies, and employee experiences across geographies is necessary. Excellent strategic problem-solving, analytical, program leadership, and change management skills are required, along with the ability to prioritize resources and measure results. Candidates must be able to build trusted relationships and lead effectively across functions, cultures, and organizational levels, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in fast-changing environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. While specific degree requirements may vary, a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is typically preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications in HR or related disciplines may be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on leading teams and delivering complex operational improvements or large-scale change initiatives. Experience in global or multi-location environments is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse operational landscapes and cultural contexts. A proven track record of success in HR operations, shared services, and technology-enabled service delivery is essential for this role.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is mandatory given the global nature of the organization and the need for effective communication across diverse teams. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where the Foundation operates, as they can enhance collaboration and understanding within multicultural teams.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Seattle, Washington, and requires unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. The salary range for this position is between $212,800 and $329,800, with higher ranges for specific locations such as Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is between $234,000 and $362,80
  • The Foundation strives to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven focus, and new hire salaries are typically positioned between the range minimum and midpoint, depending on the candidate's job-related skills, experience, and expertise. As part of the hiring process, employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates, offering accommodations for individuals with disabilities or medical conditions as needed. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.
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