Division Public Policy and External Relations

Foundation Overview Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Group Summary Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) enhances the effectiveness of the foundation's advocacy efforts and helps manage risk and reputation by developing an integrated approach to engaging key actors in government (US, Foreign, and multi-lateral entities) and other external audiences. PGA also provides research support on public policy questions that cut across all of the foundation's programs, and is responsible for building effective relationships across the charitable sector. Through effective policy development and advocacy, PGA aims to better understand and shape the public policy debates affecting the Foundation's work, build public support for its major program and policy objectives, and develop partnerships and alliances that can advance the Foundation's policy objectives.

Responsibilities The Government Affairs Officer reports to the Deputy Director of Policy and Government Affairs, based in the Foundation's East Coast Office located in Washington, DC.  As a member of the foundation's Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) team, the program officer will work with the Deputy Director of PGA and help develop and execute the foundation's strategy for engaging with U.S. government officials.

Strategy Development and Execution

• Provide ongoing research, background information and analytical support on short- and long-term projects.
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach to the foundation's interactions with government officials.
• Serve as a point person for responding to quick turnaround requests from foundation leadership for analysis of key legislation, policy initiatives and other topics.

• Maintain a high-profile role in assisting the Deputy Director and liaising with executive and legislative branch officials.
• Assist with special projects in support of foundation leadership participation in high-profile meetings and events.
• Provide support in planning and organizing meetings/briefings, including identification of meeting objectives and participants.
• Track and monitor lessons learned, and provide input to refine government affairs strategy.

• B.A. required; advanced degree in government, public policy, business, English, journalism or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience and success working in research, government, advocacy, and/or communications roles aimed at influencing policy change.
• Demonstrated success in the development, implementation and management of project strategies.
• Strong analytical, writing, and oral communication skills a must, including experience preparing clear briefing materials on complex subject matter, while also representing the positions of diverse principals.
• Demonstrated success in roles requiring continued attention to detail, logical, systematic thinking, and managing workflow while overseeing multiple priorities in a highly dynamic environment.
• Experience and proven adaptability working in an environment requiring internal and external collaboration as well as high-level principals and government officials.
• Prior work experience in a fast-paced environment; demonstrated ability to handle multiple and competing demands, with efficiency and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel and Share Point.

*As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
 
Requisition Number 2495BR

https://jobs.gatesfoundation.org/1033/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid...