Gates Foundation is Hiring an Associate Program Officer – Apply Now
Background & Job Description
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations, dedicated to addressing global poverty, disease, and inequity. With a mission centered on ensuring all individuals, regardless of identity or circumstance, have access to opportunities, the foundation is deeply committed to transforming education systems to foster success for all students.
The Gates Foundation U.S. Program (USP) focuses on ensuring students from diverse backgrounds, particularly Black, Latino, Indigenous, and low-income students, can obtain postsecondary credentials that hold real labor market value. Within this initiative, the Pathways strategy aims to:
- Help students transition from high school to postsecondary education and beyond.
- Ensure students gain credentials of value and professional skills to thrive in the workforce.
- Build a strong national pathways system, advancing equity-driven education reforms.
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About the Associate Program Officer Role
The Associate Program Officer (APO) will play a critical role in supporting the Education Pathways team in creating pathway systems that help students successfully transition into college and careers.
The role involves managing two key portfolios:
- Pathways National Portfolio – Building a strong national field of education pathways by aligning goals, research, policies, and action plans.
- Pathways Public Goods Practice – Developing evidence, tools, and learning resources for states, school districts, and higher education institutions to improve student transitions.
A major focus will be on modernizing math education pathways to ensure students successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education while gaining valuable skills for the workforce.
Work Location & Schedule
- The role is full-time and based in Washington, DC, or Seattle, WA.
- Hybrid work model (~50% in-office requirement).
- Relocation benefits are available.
- Remote work is not permitted outside these two locations.
Tasks
The Associate Program Officer will support the development, coordination, and execution of key education strategies by:
1. Supporting National Pathways Strategies
- Collaborating across multiple teams to improve math education pathways.
- Engaging with education leaders, policymakers, and institutions to drive evidence-based strategies.
- Enhancing equitable education reforms to bridge gaps in student achievement.
2. Project Management & Strategy Execution
- Managing key projects, portfolios, and grants related to education pathways.
- Coordinating meetings, convenings, and communities of practice for external partners.
- Tracking progress on education reform initiatives and supporting data-driven decision-making.
3. Research, Data Analysis & Evidence Synthesis
- Analyzing data from education grants, research reports, and academic studies.
- Developing summaries, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Using evidence-based insights to refine education policies and grantmaking decisions.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Program Collaboration
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with partner organizations.
- Facilitating effective collaboration between the Pathways team and other foundation departments.
- Supporting strategy development, portfolio reviews, and cross-program governance.
5. Process Development & Governance Compliance
- Ensuring all portfolios comply with foundation governance and strategy review processes.
- Managing internal documentation, program roadmaps, and strategic implementation plans.
The role requires exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills to help the Gates Foundation advance education equity and student success.
Gates Foundation is Hiring an Associate Program Officer
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in education, public policy, or a related field).
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in education policy, nonprofit sector, project management, or research.
- Strong knowledge of high school-to-college pathways, math education reforms, and student transition strategies.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
✔ Data Analysis & Research – Ability to synthesize complex data and research findings.
✔ Project Management – Experience managing large-scale education projects and initiatives.
✔ Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Skilled in facilitating partnerships and working with diverse teams.
✔ Strategic Communication – Excellent ability to develop reports, presentations, and policy briefs.
✔ Equity-Driven Approach – Deep understanding of education equity issues affecting underserved students.
Legal & Language Requirements
- Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship available).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Information
Why Join the Gates Foundation?
🌍 Impact-Driven Work – Help transform education systems and improve student success outcomes.
💰 Competitive Salary – Base salary between $115,800 – $189,400 depending on location and experience.
🏥 Comprehensive Benefits – Full healthcare, dental, vision coverage (100% employer-paid).
📆 Generous PTO & Family Leave – Paid leave for vacation, illness, and family responsibilities.
💼 Retirement Contributions – Foundation-paid retirement plans to secure your future.
🏡 Hybrid Work Flexibility – In-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment
The Gates Foundation values diversity and strives to build an inclusive workplace. Employees from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
🔹 Equal opportunity employer.
🔹 Strong emphasis on racial and social equity in education reform.
🔹 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for community and professional development.
How to Apply
📅 Application Deadline: March 8, 2025 (5 PM PT, March 7 for early submissions).
🔗 Apply Now: Visit the Gates Foundation careers page to submit your application.
🔹 Step 1: Prepare a strong resume and cover letter emphasizing your experience in education, policy, research, and project management.
🔹 Step 2: Join Gates Foundation career networks to stay updated on future opportunities.
🔹 Step 3: Engage with education policy discussions and showcase thought leadership in pathways development.
🚀 Take the next step toward a meaningful career—apply today and be part of the change!
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