Job Title: SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, RESEARCH, US SPECIAL INITIATIVES - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA

Deadline Date: May 18, 2009

Starting Date:

Institution: Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty.

In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people - especially those with the fewest resources - have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Job Duties: US Special Initiatives (USSI) is a division within the US Program charged with identifying cross-cutting areas related to poverty and inequity to inform our work across the United States. After a period of study and consultation, USSI launched Postsecondary Success (PS) - a new core program initiative to double the number of low-income young adults who by age 26 earn a postsecondary credential with value in the labor market.

PS is based on a theory of change that posits that to achieve the kind of dramatic increase in credential completion for low income young adults, three things must happen:

I. The postsecondary delivery system must improve, innovate and become more efficient (Improve PSE Performance);

II. Young people must be empowered, engaged and supported to navigate social, economic, academic and logistical barriers to and through postsecondary education (Support Young Adult Success); and,

III. Leaders use their influence to garner political will and public commitment to postsecondary education completion and make financial and policy changes to align with that commitment (Build Commitment).

Qualifications:
A minimum of 10 years experience conducting or managing research and evaluation projects with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis skills;

Experience working in Post Secondary Education and links with relevant systems or fields of practice (workforce development, economics, K12 education, criminal justice, health and human services);

Experience working with research contractors preferred;

Doctoral degree in education, public policy, social sciences, or related field required;

Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills;

Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization, including with top leadership;

Strong project management skills;

Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a complex team;

Adept at dealing with ambiguity and a frequently changing work environment;

Demonstrated initiative to solve problems with high energy and a positive attitude;

Demonstrated commitment to the foundation’s core values, mission, and programs and to serving our grantees;

Requires up to 33% travel and residency in or relocation to Seattle, Washington.

Reports to: Deputy Director, Strategic Planning & Management

Salary/Benefits:

To Apply: Please apply on line.

EEO/AA: