Project Manager, Officer, Editorial Planning 16 Month LTE

The largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on the belief that people everywhere should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives, regardless of identity or circumstances.

About the Team

The Communications Division, led by the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), oversees the foundation’s global communications strategy, uniting internal and external communications to advance the foundation’s mission and amplify its impact. The division focuses on building trust in the Gates Foundation and inspiring more people to care about its mission.

The Editorial Planning Team within the Office of the CCO leads editorial planning, narrative development, and integrated voice strategy in support of the foundation’s mission to save lives and fight disease, poverty, and inequity. This position is based in Seattle, Washington, and is a 16-month limited-term engagement.

About the Role

As Project Manager, you will report to the Deputy Director of Editorial Planning. You will lead project management for the Communications Division’s editorial planning function, including ownership of the division’s editorial calendar and Editorial Board processes, coordination of major communications campaigns, and management of cross-functional planning processes. This role requires both strong project management and strategic communications thinking.

You will partner closely with communicators, writers, and campaign leads to shape priorities, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure editorial planning aligns with the foundation’s communications goals. This role may also support Advocacy and Voice Planning (AVP), leadership engagements, and other priority initiatives. The position involves up to 25% domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management for the Communications Division’s editorial calendar, developing, maintaining, and executing an integrated calendar that guides the strategic use of the foundation’s voice.
• Own planning and execution of the Editorial Board process, including agenda development, meeting coordination, decision tracking, and continuous improvement.
• Lead project management for major communications campaigns, coordinating planning, cross-functional execution, timelines, and delivery.
• Provide flexible project management support for Advocacy and Voice Planning (AVP), leadership trips, external engagements, and other priority initiatives.
• Support leadership writing deliverables, partnering with the editorial planning writing team, leadership offices, and stakeholders.
• Track progress across editorial planning priorities and provide regular reporting and updates to Communications leadership and key stakeholders.
• Continuously improve editorial planning processes, tools, and operating rhythms to increase efficiency, visibility, and collaboration.

Requirements

• Experience in communications, editorial planning, content strategy, public affairs, journalism, or a related field, with demonstrated strategic communications thinking.
• Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects in fast-paced communications, marketing, or public affairs environments with competing priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills, with a proven ability to anticipate issues and drive projects to completion.
• Ability to translate communications strategy into clear project plans and measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing complex review, decision-making, and approval processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse teams.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and deliver high-quality work on tight timelines.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset with curiosity, flexibility, sound judgment, and a commitment to team success.
• Unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located (the foundation does not provide immigration sponsorship).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $143,000 to $214,000 USD. For Seattle and Washington D.C., the range is $157,300 to $235,900 USD. New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint, with placement depending on job-related skills, experience, and expertise.

Benefits

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