The Deputy Director for the Washington State strategy will lead the foundation’s strategic work in Washington state, with an emphasis on the Puget Sound region. The approved strategy, which is in early implementation, includes support for networked improvement solutions that support local students, as well as state-wide policy conditions. Our funding will support schools and community partners to collectively support their students and families, especially those students who are furthest from opportunity. The cross-system strategy is premised upon focusing on the whole child across three domains: pre-kindergarten, K-5 education, and expanded learning opportunities in out-of-school time. Advancing racial equity policies and practices for students of color is a critical part of the strategy.
This role will guide team members in the management of portfolios of foundation investments (grants and contracts), serve on internal leadership teams with Pacific Northwest and U.S. Program colleagues, and work with external partners to drive progress. As part of this responsibility, this role will manage relationships with grantees, contractors and key partners to achieve the foundation's desired impact, provide project briefings and updates to foundation leadership, and represent the foundation in meetings with external stakeholders.
- Facilitate development of annual investment plans and budgets, develop, modify and implement strategy under division leadership, emphasizing the integration of racial equity principles and practices into strategy implementation and investments. Work with foundation leadership as requested to address cross-cutting issues and improve functions and performance.
- Develop – and provide strategic guidance to other team members in crafting – grants and contracts that align to PNW’s racial equity principles, with special attention to those that require complex research or analytics.
- Accountable for the identification and assessment of key portfolio risks and the development and management of mitigation/contingency plans at the portfolio level.
- Advise, mentor, and support colleagues within the foundation and grantees in the design, enhancement, and execution of project, initiatives and engagements.
- Manage partnerships and grantee relationships to achieve impact, for example, by conducting site visits, convening meetings of key stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating components of grants.
- This role manages people and is responsible for supporting an inclusive team culture by hiring the talent needed to achieve our goals, ensuring successful employee onboarding, communicating performance expectations, creating goal alignment, integrating project and change management, giving and seeking feedback, providing coaching, measuring progress and holding people accountable, supporting employee development, and recognizing achievement and lessons learned.
Core Knowledge and Skills
- Proven ability to lead and influence others. Demonstrated ability to work with efficiency, diplomacy, and flexibility particularly as part of a team. Experience working on teams with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Experience in strategic planning, strategy implementation, outcomes-based accountability, and continuous learning and improvement. Facility in using quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform course correction and strategic direction.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, and experience advocating and communicating with a broad and diverse audience.
- Experience in a role requiring a collaborative attitude and behavior in a complex organization and working with external organizations.
- Knowledge of the WA and Puget Sound educational and policy context, and exposure to the role of the philanthropic sector.
Experience
- Experience in education required. This could include experience as a practitioner, system leader, nonprofit leader, or advocate.
- Demonstrated experience implementing strategies and programs grounded in racial equity principles to advance student outcomes.
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.