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
Global Security works hard to safeguard foundation personnel, information, facilities, assets, and reputation. We are comprised of about two dozen employees as well as the contingent employees in Reception, the Guard Force, and the Global Security Operations Center. Security spans across all affiliates and regional offices and organizationally reports into Business Operations.This position is located in our Seattle, Wa. or Washington DC office and a limited-term position (9 months). Relocation will not be provided.
Please include a cover letter letting us know how you're uniquely qualified for this role and what motivates you to apply.
We will be accepting applications until 5:00pm PDT on February 4, 2026
Serve as the Global Security (GS) senior program manager for event security. Responsible for establishing event security program direction, identifying interdependence and communication requirements, tracking progress, identifying and mitigating risks and resolving conflicts and issues. Develops and executes security plans for high-profile international events, including managing vendor relationships and liaising with local police and other government entities. Build strong relationships with team, internal and external partners, and effectively interact with senior audiences. Responsible for researching and analyzing data to produce comprehensive risk assessments for consumers regarding threats to foundation-hosted events worldwide. Responsible for identifying opportunities to enhance and improve team strategies and processes through various tasks. Establish and implement processes, policies and protocols for an effective event security management system in foundation locations.
Responsible for event security program activities related to program definition and delivery. Includes project scheduling, budgeting and forecasting, resource planning, contracting, risk management, and change management. Working in consultation with GS management, help determine GS staffing requirements for high-profile foundation events.
Collaborates with foundation leaders and operations and program team partners on event security program design. Ensures strategic alignment on event security requirements and procedures, identifying opportunities to improve event security while balancing programmatic requirements.
Lead on-the-ground security support for high-profile foundation events, including development and execution of event security plans and interaction with external partners and vendors and internal foundation partners. For events where you are not the lead POC, provide strategic oversight, ensuring best practices and procedures are applied across foundation events.
Working with partners across GS, identify and manage relationships with vendors worldwide who can provide event security services. Develop standards protocols for these vendors to follow when delivery event security services.
Compare actual event security performance with planned performance, analyze variances, assess trends to effect process improvements, evaluate possible alternatives, and implement appropriate corrective action if needed to continuously improve programs.
Oversee training program and contingency planning for GS members on event security.
Establish strong network with event security professionals in other organizations. Leverage benchmarking to improve the Gates Foundation event security program.
Master’s or bachelor’s degree with 8 + years of relevant security experience or an equivalent combination.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; including research, monitoring and information collection and reporting.
Strong collaboration, communication and influencing skills, including with senior executives and leaders.
Demonstrated capability for operational security support at high profile events. Previous corporate event security experience preferred.
Demonstrated experience working closely with government security entities and close protection teams. Previous work in diplomatic, law enforcement and/or intelligence agencies preferred.
Experience working internationally in multiple settings (office & field), understanding varying global perspectives and culture.
High level of interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Must have a proven track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring a high level of attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture.
The ability to work independently and make sound decisions to maintain organizational objectives.
Strong ability to network effectively at all organizational levels.
Excellent ability to identify and work effectively with key stakeholders on complex, cross organizational and foundation projects in unfamiliar areas.
Utilize discretion with demonstrated experience in maintaining utmost confidentiality and privacy.
Project/Program management and information security experience highly desired.
Must be available to travel internationally on a frequent basis (25%).
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
The salary range for this role is $173,000 to $259,600 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 $190,300 to $285,500 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.
