Principal Officer, Measurement, Learning & Evaluation (24-month LTE)

About the role

The position is a limited‑term, 24‑month role based in Seattle, WA (relocation assistance available for candidates not within commuting distance). The incumbent will lead measurement, evaluation, and research for the Advocacy & System Improvement (A&SI) strategy, serving as the primary collaborator on strategy accountability and reporting, and shaping learning opportunities across the division. Applications are accepted until 12 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead measurement, evaluation, and research in developing or refining strategies; invest in partners to measure the efficacy of strategy interventions.
• Gauge strategy progress against key outcomes and research emerging strategy‑related topics.
• Serve as the measurement, evaluation, and research (MLE) technical and thought leader for A&SI strategy and primary collaborator on foundation strategy accountability and reporting.
• Collaborate with MLE Senior Program Officers and Deputy Directors on the team‑wide learning agenda.
• Leverage insights from research and evaluation to develop high‑quality, engaging learning experiences for the team.
• Partner with staff across the division to develop learning opportunities.
• Develop and sustain learning rhythms, ensuring regular cadences for surfacing and applying insights.
• Build a vision for how A&SI measures progress and predictively supports resource allocation decisions.

Requirements

• Advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Deep understanding of the diversity of K‑12 and post‑secondary sector missions, objectives, and resources, with ability to interpret research and evaluation accordingly.
• Recognized expertise in measurement, evaluation, and research design, both internally and externally.
• Track record of experimenting with new tools to enable colleagues to access and understand measurement and evaluation work.
• Comprehensive experience in progressively senior thought‑leadership roles, including formal project leadership.
• Experience leading complex initiatives with budget responsibility.
• Forward‑thinking approach to predictive modeling and impact, potentially with a background in economics, policy, or cross‑sector research.
• Unrestricted work authorization in the United States (the Foundation does not provide immigration sponsorship).

Pay

Salary range: $212,800 – $329,800 USD. In Seattle, WA and Washington, D.C., the range is $234,000 – $362,800 USD. New hires are typically placed between the minimum and the midpoint of the range, based on skills, experience, and expertise.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid family leave.
• Foundation‑paid retirement contribution.
• Regional holidays.
• Opportunities to engage in several employee communities.

Hiring requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Candidate accommodations

The Foundation is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. Candidates who need accommodations (e.g., ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, physical accessibility support) should contact HR@gatesfoundation.org with the position number and a brief description of the need. Requests will be handled confidentially.

Inclusion statement

We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and culturally diverse workplace that supports greater equity and inclusion of voices, ideas, and approaches, and we embed this commitment in all employment practices. All applicants and employees enjoy equal 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, or prior protected activity.