Jobs & Career
Research Associate Position at the Gates Foundation | $115,800 – $189,400 Annually | Apply by October 16, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C. or Seattle, WA
Employment Type: Full-time (12-month limited term)
Deadline: October 16, 2025, at 5 PM PDT
Salary Range: $115,800 – $189,400 USD
Application ID: B021245
💡 About the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the world’s largest private nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty, disease, and inequity worldwide. Founded on the belief that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life, the Foundation continues to drive impact through partnerships, policy change, and innovation.
With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Foundation’s workforce reflects the global communities it serves. Employees enjoy an exceptional benefits package — including full medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid leave, retirement contributions, and paid family time off.
This is not just a job — it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in global well-being.
🌐 About the Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) Division
The Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) division leads the Foundation’s efforts to shape public policy, strengthen advocacy, and form key partnerships that advance progress on critical global challenges.
Working across Global Health, Development, Gender Equality, and U.S. Program initiatives, GPA focuses on aligning government, nonprofit, and private-sector efforts to create scalable, lasting impact. The North America Team (NAT) operates within GPA to manage policy, advocacy, and communication strategies in the U.S., Canada, and at the United Nations.
🧠 About the Role: Research Associate
As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in advancing policy and advocacy initiatives through research, analytics, and project management. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s mission while managing multiple cross-functional projects.
Key Details:
- Type: 12-Month Limited-Term Position
- Location: Washington, D.C. or Seattle, WA (No relocation provided)
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🧩 What You’ll Do
- Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director, Advocacy and Engagement to manage and evolve projects across the North America Team.
- Support program officers in strategic planning, partner management, and issue portfolio development.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis to strengthen investment decisions and advocacy strategies.
- Coordinate cross-team projects by setting deadlines, tracking progress, and ensuring deliverables are met.
- Manage data integrity, provide analytical insights, and compile performance reports.
- Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture aligned with the Foundation’s core values.
🎓 Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, or related).
- Proven project management expertise in complex or matrixed organizations.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize data for actionable insights.
- Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently and meet tight deadlines.
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship available).
💰 Compensation & Benefits
The salary for this role ranges from $115,800 to $173,800 USD, with adjustments for high-cost areas (Seattle and Washington, D.C.) up to $189,400 USD.
Employees enjoy an array of benefits, including:
✅ Full health, dental, and vision coverage
✅ Paid family leave and generous PTO
✅ Employer-funded retirement contributions
✅ Regional holidays and wellness benefits
✅ Opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
🤝 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Gates Foundation believes all lives have equal value. The organization fosters a workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through all employment practices — ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other identity.
Applicants who require accommodations during the recruitment process can submit a request directly via the Foundation’s Candidate Accommodations Portal.
📅 How to Apply
Applications are open until October 16, 2025, at 5 PM PDT.
Interested candidates can apply directly via the Gates Foundation Careers Portal using Job ID B021245.
🔗 Why Join the Gates Foundation?
Working with the Gates Foundation means contributing to a global movement that fights poverty, accelerates innovation, and improves lives. Employees are consistently proud of their work and inspired by a shared mission to reduce inequality and drive sustainable progress.
If you’re ready to leverage your research and project management skills to make an impact on a global scale, this opportunity is for you.
