Principal Technical Program Manager - Data & AI Strategy
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Full-time The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The Data Enablement Team (DET), operating under the Enterprise Information Governance Council (EIGC), drives the Foundation’s data strategy, transformation initiatives, and AI enablement.You will play a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by accelerating impact through data, insights, and AI. This position sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, and transformation.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, strategic and hands-on leader to drive and implement enterprise-wide data initiatives, champion adoption of the EDP, and align data work with emerging AI needs! Serve as a key member of DET and the Data Solutions Team (DST), ensuring alignment between programmatic needs and technical execution.
This is a senior and high-visibility leadership role, frequently interacting with leaders across programmatic and operational teams. You will serve as the key link between Program Strategy Teams (PSTs), Operations, EDS team, and DET and will report to the Director of Enterprise Data Solutions/DET Lead. You will also be part of the EDS Leadership team.
Programmatic Support and Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic thought partner and a trusted advisor to program strategy teams [PSTs], aligning data and AI solutions with evolving priorities. Acquire a deep understanding of program strategies to anticipate and address data & AI needs. Develop a view into key questions being addressed based on ongoing, past, and planned initiatives, and how Data & AI can be utilized to innovate and accelerate work while eliminating duplication.
Data Enablement Strategy & Change Management: Translate diverse data & AI use cases into repeatable patterns and actionable guidance while balancing legal, reputational, and operational considerations. Lead change and transformation efforts, embedding the Foundation’s Data Enablement Strategy into daily practices. Champion adoption of the EDP, driving awareness, integration, and sustained usage across program teams.
Technical Analysis and Thought Partnership: Represent the “voice of the customer,” ensuring the EDP and related tools deliver value for program teams. Partner with the AI Task Force and Advisory Panel to integrate programmatic data needs into enterprise AI initiatives. Collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to align data capabilities with investment processes and impact measurement. Carry out deep dive analysis as needed.
Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. Inspire and influence diverse teams and effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. Your exceptional oral and written communication skills enable you to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. Develop executive-ready presentations and communications on data and AI initiatives for senior leadership.
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science or related field or MBA, or equivalent experience.
12-15+ years in strategy or program management, with a focus on data, analytics, or transformation.
5+ years leading medium-to-large, complex initiatives.
5+ years working in data, insights, analytics, or AI.
Expertise at the intersection of data, insights, cloud computing, and AI, with the ability to translate technical needs into enterprise strategy.
Strong familiarity with program strategy and data lifecycles, ideally in philanthropic, development, or impact-driven contexts.
Exceptional communication and collaborator engagement skills; proven ability to lead cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated success leading change management and adoption of data platforms.
Strong ability to navigate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Skilled at communicating with technical and non-technical audiences.
Previous work experience in Health and Life Sciences (HLS) vertical.
Background with a top consulting firm highly desirable.
Knowledge of investment and grantmaking processes, including strategic planning and impact evaluation.
We welcome motivated, curious individuals eager to contribute and grow. The role is currently listed as an Individual contributor but is equivalent to Deputy Director level.
Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
The salary range for this role is $208,600.00 to $323,400.00 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $227,400.00 to $352,400.00 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.
Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.
All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.
