Officer, Strategic Planning & Engagement

About Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in the world, founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. The foundation is dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Through its various programs, it supports initiatives in global health, development, education, and emergency relief. Based in Seattle, Washington, it aims to improve lives by addressing major barriers to opportunity and health, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration, the foundation works with diverse partners worldwide to devise innovative and scalable solutions.

Joining the Gates Foundation as an Officer of Strategic Planning & Engagement, you will play a crucial role in facilitating the planning and execution of senior leadership engagements and trips. You will be chiefly responsible for steering these activities by managing schedules and coordinating efforts with both internal teams and external partners. Your capacity to manage diverse stakeholder interactions is essential to ensure successful outcomes for all engagements.

This position offers an extraordinary opportunity to work at the highest levels of the foundation, advancing its mission on a global scale.

• Lead the planning and execution of foundation Chair and CEO domestic and international trips.
• Plan, lead, handle, and execute activities in support of and following leadership trips.
• Serve as trip director for the Chair and CEO, ensuring that their time is well spent and needs are met.
• Cultivate decisions, communication, and analysis pertaining to the planning and execution of trips.
• Collaborate with security teams and travel offices to ensure efficient operations.
• Participate in special projects for the SP&E team and OCEO as needed.
• Coordinate activities across internal and external engagements for CEO trips.

• 4+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, or communications with government or NGOs.
• Experience with high‑profile event and trip planning, including virtual and hybrid events.
• Excellent time management, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence diverse partners and facilitate high‑quality decision‑making.
• Commitment to the foundation’s mission and guiding principles.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and business judgment.
• Ability to work across barriers such as language, culture, and distance.
• Intellectual curiosity and problem‑solving skills.
• International work experience preferred.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Ability to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
• Generous paid time off and paid family leave.
• Foundation‑paid retirement contribution.
• Regional holidays and opportunities to engage in employee communities.