Senior Program Manager

As the Senior Program Manager, Strategy, Planning & Management, FETS, you will join a small and mighty team while playing a critical role in supporting department strategy updates and reviews, portfolio execution, and pipeline management. This is a cross-functional role requiring systems & process-thinking, project management, organizational savvy, analytical expertise and multi-level proactive engagement. You are an organized, creative, thoughtful, and curious driver who identifies as a problem solver, trusted partner, key advisor to leadership, and subject matter expert in overall planning, communications, change management, and operational effectiveness. This role reports to the FETS department in the Business Operations division and will work in a hybrid remote arrangement from our Seattle, WA office, with an expectation of in-office engagement at least 50% of the month. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Drive and support the planning and execution of initiatives within FETS, ensuring alignment across internal teams, operational functions, and cross-divisionally.
• Support FETS leadership in driving strategy projects by analyzing data, translating goals into actionable plans, ensuring strategic alignment across project portfolios, and defining success metrics tied to divisional priorities.
• Facilitate and lead preparation of materials for the annual planning process, future operations strategy reviews, and submission to the COO, EOAG, CEO, and Co-Chairs.
• Work with the Deputy Director to provide guidance and recommendations to enhance department level operations and optimize the quality and efficiency of the delivery of key programs.
• Provide project management support for department-level strategy implementation and planning activities.
• Support the development and refinement of the FETS department strategic Vision, Mission, and Strategies as the team develops and continues to test and learn across its functions.
• Be responsible for department-specific enhancements of onboarding, vendor management, knowledge management, annual planning rhythm of the business (ROB), and overall health and wellness of the division.
• Develop departmental strategy and measurement plans and engage with key partners, including FETS XLT and other foundation and affiliate partners.
• Provide the Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management with critical, clear, and forward-focused thought partnership.
• Lead strategic planning efforts, including financial processes, budgeting, and forecasting, to advise leadership decision-making and progress tracking across FETS.
• Lead and continuously improve the department’s infrastructure, including norms, processes, and structures, to support the department’s delivery against divisional strategic priorities.
• Partner closely with the Senior Assistant to plan and design rhythm of the business meetings, communication and key events (e.g., retreat, cohort meetings).
• Promote prioritization, efficiency, and productivity on the team by providing leadership and support in process development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tools, analysis, reporting, and organizational change.
• Partner with FETS XLT to drive continuous learning, cultivate team cohesion, and coordinate virtual and in-person engagement opportunities.
• Work closely with the CSO and FETS LT to build and strengthen strategic capabilities across FETS.

Your Experience: 

• We are looking for team members who enjoy working on complex problems and collaboratively crafting strategies that have the potential to transform the lives of people around the world. Candidates must be excellent teammates who are excited to work across a diverse set of issue areas.
• We seek experienced professionals with demonstrated ability to support strategy and operations at large organizations. Additional knowledge and skills desired include:
• Experience with high-impact projects, gathering quality qualitative and quantitative analyses, elevating key insights, and communicating those insights with senior audiences.
• Ability to work in a self-guided manner with strong attention to detail, leading multiple priorities and demanding timelines.
• Shown success at leading multiple projects through execution, collecting team voice, identifying progress and barriers, implementing creative solutions, planning agendas, facilitating group problem-solving meetings, and encouraging alignment.
• Ability to communicate complex topics and processes clearly, succinctly, and through various forums and channels. Ability to work effectively and with sensitivity across barriers such as language, culture, and distance. Excellent listening skills and empathy.
• Proven knowledge of strategy development and end-to-end complex project management (including process design, team structure, critical thinking requirements, development of novel communication resources, and external/senior partner engagement).
• Ability to question and challenge colleagues, including managers and partners, in a constructive manner.
• Comfortable with highly unstructured and ambiguous situations; ability to proactively resolve issues.
• Excellent software skills with Microsoft Office applications, including a demonstrated ability to convey complex information using supporting tables, graphs, and other visual representations.
• Bachelor’s degree desired or relevant experience.

Source: https://gatesfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Gates/job/Seattle-WA/Senior-Program-Manager_B020845-1