Discover the exciting opportunity to join the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a Senior Program Assistant in Seattle, WA. This full-time role supports the foundation’s impactful global nutrition work, contributing directly to large-scale food fortification efforts. If you’re an experienced administrative professional passionate about global development, this position offers a meaningful career with one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations. Learn more about the job description, key responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply before the April 22, 2025 deadline.
Background & Job Description
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a globally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, improving health, and expanding opportunity around the world. Operating on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy, productive life, the foundation invests in initiatives that address some of the most pressing global challenges.
The current opening for Senior Program Assistant (SPA) is within the Global Growth & Opportunity (GGO) Division, more specifically supporting the Nutrition strategy with a strong focus on Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF). This division works to drive sustainable, transformative change through investments in agriculture, financial inclusion, education, nutrition, and water/sanitation.
The SPA plays a vital role by providing high-level administrative support and project coordination, particularly to the Director of Nutrition. The position is based in Seattle, WA and is offered on a full-time basis. The deadline to apply is April 22, 2025, and the job requisition ID is B020888.
Senior Program Assistant Job at the Gates Foundation: Apply Today for a Role in Global Nutrition Leadership
Tasks
The Senior Program Assistant will be responsible for a range of administrative, organizational, and operational duties designed to support the smooth functioning of the Nutrition team. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a dynamic and complex calendar of appointments and meetings for the Director.
- Preparing and submitting detailed expense reports.
- Drafting and editing confidential correspondence.
- Organizing complex travel itineraries and assembling documents for travel-related meetings.
- Supporting event planning for leadership meetings, retreats, presentations, and convenings.
- Mentoring junior Program Assistants (PAs) and providing leadership in team meetings.
- Acting as a liaison with internal departments and external partners.
- Monitoring project workflows and tracking team deliverables.
- Maintaining and organizing files, records, and SharePoint sites.
- Drafting team communications including weekly newsletters with operational updates.
- Demonstrating initiative by anticipating the needs of the leadership team and resolving issues proactively.
- Leading projects that enhance team culture and collaboration.
- Handling logistics for multi-stakeholder meetings across time zones and cultures.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- An Associate’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required.
Experience
- A minimum of 3 years of experience supporting senior-level executives, preferably in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Demonstrated experience in calendar management, travel coordination, and event planning.
- Proven track record of maintaining confidentiality, managing sensitive information with discretion.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.
- Strong communication skills—both written and oral.
- Capable of drafting high-quality written materials such as newsletters and strategic updates.
- Experience mentoring or training junior staff or administrative personnel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Adept at working across diverse cultures and time zones.
Additional Information
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Employment Type: Full Time
- Salary Range: $35.67 – $50.00 per hour
- Application Deadline: April 22, 2025 (9 hours left to apply at time of posting)
- Job Requisition ID: B020888
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Why You Should Apply
Working at the Gates Foundation means joining a team committed to tackling global challenges through innovation and collaboration. The foundation offers a generous benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (no premiums)
- Generous paid time off and family leave
- Foundation-paid retirement contributions
- Regional holidays and wellness benefits
- Access to employee resource groups and communities
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
The Gates Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are evaluated without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. The foundation is also deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Accessibility and Candidate Accommodations
Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process due to a disability can submit a request via the foundation’s official portal.
Reminder: This post is published for informational purposes and to promote available job opportunities. We are not affiliated with the Gates Foundation.
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