Gates Foundation Executive Assistant, Business Operations Job 2026: Apply in Seattle
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for the Executive Assistant, Business Operations position in Seattle, Washington, USA. This full-time opportunity is suited to experienced administrative professionals with strong organisational, project management, executive support and communication skills.
The successful candidate will provide high-level support to senior leadership while coordinating operational programmes, improving internal processes and promoting the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across the organisation.
The role offers an opportunity to contribute to the work of one of the world’s leading philanthropic foundations, which focuses on reducing poverty, fighting disease and addressing inequality. Candidates with experience supporting executives, managing complex projects and developing efficient workplace systems are encouraged to review the requirements.
Applications are scheduled to close on 6 November 2026.
Gates Foundation Executive Assistant Job 2026: Overview
- Job Title: Executive Assistant, Business Operations
- Organisation: Gates Foundation
- Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Job Type: Full-time
- Job Requisition ID: B021823
- Salary: $46.92–$70.38 per hour
- Application Period: 23 October–6 November 2026
- Experience Required: Five or more years in relevant roles
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience
The position requires unrestricted authorisation to work in the country where the role is based. The foundation does not provide immigration sponsorship or relocation support as part of the stated requirements.
About the Role
The Executive Assistant will provide strategic administrative and operational support to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Strategy Planning and Management, and the Chief of Staff.
Beyond traditional executive assistance, the position combines leadership support with programme coordination, project management, knowledge management and process improvement.
The successful candidate will help coordinate leadership activities, manage complex schedules, oversee operational initiatives and develop systems that improve collaboration across the Business Operations division and the Office of the COO.
An important aspect of the position is identifying opportunities to use AI and automation tools to simplify recurring tasks, improve access to information and increase team efficiency.
The role also involves working with other senior leadership offices, including those of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Chief People Officer.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Assistant will be responsible for several interconnected areas of work.
Executive and Calendar Management
The successful candidate will manage complex calendars across multiple time zones, coordinate confidential correspondence, organise domestic and international travel, prepare briefing materials and monitor outstanding action items.
Team and Office Operations
Responsibilities include coordinating leadership meetings, preparing agendas and presentation materials, documenting decisions, supporting onboarding and maintaining shared team resources.
Programme and Project Management
The role involves coordinating division-wide business reviews, annual planning processes, performance check-ins and other operational initiatives. The candidate will monitor progress, identify risks, manage dependencies and ensure that projects are completed effectively.
Knowledge Management and AI Enablement
The successful applicant will maintain knowledge management systems and collaboration platforms, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and OneNote. They will also help colleagues explore practical AI applications, curate learning resources and encourage responsible adoption of approved tools.
Events and Communications
The position includes planning meetings, retreats and organisational events, coordinating logistics, preparing materials and ensuring effective follow-up. The candidate will also represent the office professionally in internal and external communications.
Requirements and Qualifications
The Gates Foundation is seeking a proactive professional who combines excellent administrative capabilities with operational leadership and independent problem-solving skills.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, together with at least five years of relevant experience in executive support, administrative leadership, team operations or programme coordination.
Additional requirements include:
- Experience managing complex executive calendars and international travel.
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent judgement, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.
- Experience managing projects, coordinating deliverables and improving operational processes.
- Knowledge of collaboration and knowledge management platforms, including SharePoint, Teams and OneNote.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Practical experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Claude.
- The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
- A proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and switching between executive support and broader operational responsibilities.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised hourly salary range for this position in Seattle and Washington, D.C., is $46.92 to $70.38. Actual compensation will depend on relevant skills, experience and expertise, with new-hire salaries typically falling between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
The foundation offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage without employee premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, employer-funded retirement contributions and regional holidays.
Employees can also participate in employee communities and work in an environment that prioritises professional development, inclusion and organisational impact.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the official Gates Foundation careers website to review the full vacancy details and submit their applications.
Applicants should ensure their experience demonstrates the required combination of executive support, programme coordination, operational improvement and AI-enabled working practices.
Application deadline: 6 November 2026.
Please note that employment is conditional on successfully completing the foundation’s background-check process. Candidates requiring disability-related accommodations during recruitment can contact HR@gatesfoundation.org, providing the position number and a brief description of their needs.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced executive assistants and operations professionals who want to combine senior leadership support with project delivery, technology adoption and organisational improvement at a globally recognised philanthropic foundation.
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