Position Overview
The Gates Foundation is hiring two Senior Strategy Officers for its Postsecondary Courseware and Navigation team in Seattle, Washington. Both are full-time limited-term positions supporting work designed to improve how learners navigate postsecondary education and access AI-enabled advising, courseware and credit-mobility solutions.
One position is a 9-month limited-term role focused on strategy development and analytical support for Innovative Models and related Postsecondary workstreams. The second is an 18-month limited-term role focused on strategic operations, portfolio management and leadership engagement for Pathways Navigation.
For Seattle, the foundation lists a local salary range of $209,100 to $324,100 per year. The application deadline is August 24, 2026. The posting states that two candidates will be hired.
NB: The foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
Minimum Requirements
The foundation is looking for candidates with:
- An advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in strategy consulting, public policy, education, economics or a related field
- Significant strategy-development and structured problem-solving experience
- End-to-end program or portfolio-management experience in a complex organization
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical capability
- Executive-level written, verbal and visual communication skills
- Experience with postsecondary institutions, state education agencies, technology developers or related organizations
- Experience building operational systems, investment pipelines and portfolio-tracking processes
- Experience with investment development, due diligence and written funding recommendations
- Ability to influence and build alignment across matrixed organizations and external partners
Tip: The posting says candidates may state a preference for the 9-month or 18-month role in the cover letter. Make that preference clear if one workstream fits your background better.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead time-bound strategy-development projects and structured analyses
- Support strategic work across Postsecondary workstreams
- Manage portfolio operations, investment planning and team alignment
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for strategic decisions
- Track measurable outcomes and portfolio progress
- Coordinate investment pipelines and surface risks
- Develop investments, perform due diligence and prepare funding recommendations
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement and resolve misalignment
- Prepare leadership updates, strategy reviews and executive presentations
- Manage complex projects, meetings, retreats and partner convenings
- Use AI-enabled tools to improve and accelerate strategy work
What You Will Gain
- Senior strategy responsibility inside a major global philanthropic organization
- Direct involvement in postsecondary education and AI-enabled learning initiatives
- Experience managing high-impact portfolios and investments
- Exposure to education institutions, policy actors and technology partners
- Leadership communication and strategic decision-support experience
- Comprehensive health coverage with no employee premiums
- Foundation-paid retirement contribution, paid family leave and generous time off
Application Process
How to Apply
Apply through the official Gates Foundation Workday listing for requisition B021695 before August 24, 2026. The posting covers both limited-term positions.
- Prepare a resume focused on strategy and portfolio outcomes
- Show experience in postsecondary education or closely related systems
- Include examples of quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Demonstrate executive communication and stakeholder alignment
- Highlight investment or portfolio-management experience
- Use the cover letter to state a preference for the 9-month or 18-month role if relevant
- Confirm unrestricted U.S. work authorization
Applications Closed
The closing date for this opportunity was 24 August 2026.
Tip: Use measurable examples—portfolio size, investments led, decisions influenced, institutions served or strategic outcomes achieved.
FAQ
How many positions are available?
The Gates Foundation states that it is hiring two Senior Strategy Officers.
How long are the roles?
One role is limited to nine months and the other is limited to 18 months.
Where are the jobs located?
The positions are listed in Seattle, Washington.
What is the Seattle salary range?
The posting states a Seattle/Washington, D.C. range of $209,100 to $324,100 per year.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on August 24, 2026.
Does the foundation sponsor work visas for this role?
No. The posting states that immigration-related sponsorship is not provided for these positions.