Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer Job 2026: Earn Up to $324,100
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for the position of Senior Program Officer, Assessments, Digitally-Enabled Teaching and Learning, in the United States. This full-time opportunity is suitable for experienced education professionals, researchers and specialists in educational technology, assessment innovation and higher education.
The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of grants and contracts supporting digitally enabled teaching and learning, with a particular focus on assessments that improve student outcomes and reduce educational inequalities.
The position offers a competitive annual salary, with the general salary range extending from $209,100 to $324,100. Candidates based in Seattle, Washington, or Washington, DC, are preferred, and relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.
Applications close on 10 November 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer Job Details
- Organisation: Gates Foundation
- Job Title: Senior Program Officer, Assessments, Digitally-Enabled Teaching and Learning
- Job Reference: B021828
- Location: Seattle, Washington, or Washington, DC, USA
- Job Type: Full-time
- Salary Range: $209,100–$324,100 per year
- Salary Range in Seattle and Washington, DC: $190,100–$294,700 per year, as specified in the vacancy announcement
- Application Deadline: 10 November 2026
- Application Method: Online
About the Position
The Senior Program Officer will join the foundation’s US Program, which works with partners to help people develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in education and employment.
Within the Digitally-Enabled Teaching and Learning team, the successful candidate will support initiatives designed to improve student success in college gateway courses while reducing achievement gaps among different student groups.
The role focuses on investments in educational technology, including digital courseware, assessment tools, artificial intelligence applications, student support services and professional development.
A key priority is strengthening summative assessments and identifying innovative approaches that help institutions measure learning effectively and improve educational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Program Officer will develop and manage a portfolio of grants and contracts supporting digital education initiatives. This includes evaluating investment opportunities, conducting market analyses and identifying gaps in existing higher education solutions.
The successful candidate will serve as a key resource on summative assessments, monitoring developments in assessment design, teaching methods and educational technology.
Other responsibilities include:
- Designing and overseeing research to evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning products.
- Building partnerships with universities, educational technology companies, researchers and artificial intelligence innovators.
- Conducting literature reviews and gathering feedback from students and faculty.
- Preparing research summaries, funding recommendations and strategic documents.
- Supporting grant proposal development and reviewing funding proposals.
- Representing the foundation at conferences and external stakeholder meetings.
- Using AI and productivity tools to improve efficiency and the quality of work.
The postholder will also help promote effective technology adoption and collaboration between higher education institutions.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience. A background in a STEM field or postsecondary education is preferred, with academic experience considered an advantage.
Candidates should demonstrate substantial knowledge of modern assessment methods and technologies, including computer-based testing, adaptive examinations, AI-assisted grading and academic integrity tools.
Experience developing, scaling or evaluating digital education products is important. Applicants should understand higher education markets, particularly the needs of STEM students and faculty.
Additional requirements include experience managing grant or investment portfolios, conducting market research, overseeing implementation studies and building partnerships with universities and educational technology organisations.
The ideal candidate will be organised, analytical and comfortable working directly with end users, facilitating events and using AI-powered productivity tools.
Salary and Employee Benefits
The advertised general salary range is $209,100 to $324,100 per year. The vacancy also specifies a location-based range of $190,100 to $294,700 for Seattle and Washington, DC. Applicants should consult the official announcement regarding the applicable salary range.
The foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage without employee premiums, generous paid leave, paid family leave, retirement contributions and regional holidays.
Employees may also benefit from professional development opportunities and employee communities.
Work Location and Eligibility
The foundation prefers candidates who can work from its Seattle or Washington, DC, offices. Relocation assistance is available for candidates living outside commuting distance. In some circumstances, remote work may be considered, but only from a US state.
Applicants must have unrestricted work authorisation in the United States. The foundation does not provide immigration sponsorship or immigration-related support for this position.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy announcement and submit their applications through the foundation’s recruitment portal.
Application deadline: 10 November 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced professionals seeking to influence educational innovation, assessment practices and student success in higher education.
