host: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
duration: Full time
apply-url: https://gatesfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Gates/job/Seattle-WA/Senior-Program-Officer--Portable-Memory---Context--24-Month-LTE-_B021502-1
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking a Senior Program Officer to join their USP Data & AI team, focused on building the emerging portable memory and context infrastructure required for next-generation AI systems in education and workforce pathways. This 24-month limited-term position, based in Seattle, WA, will drive progress on the technical, standards, and governance foundations needed to enable user-controlled, interoperable, and longitudinal memory systems. The Senior Program Officer will lead a portfolio advancing the end-to-end memory stack across education-to-workforce pathways.
Overview
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio advancing the end-to-end memory stack across education-to-workforce pathways, enabling persistent, portable learner and worker context through investments in identity, storage, memory management, agent integration, and governance.
- Translate architecture into investable strategies, identifying where technical gaps require targeted funding, standards development, or field-building.
- Drive standards and ecosystem alignment, convening partners across frontier AI labs, EdTech, workforce systems, and standards bodies to advance shared schemas, protocols, and portability frameworks.
- Broker across technical and institutional layers, connecting model developers, infrastructure providers, public sector actors, and product teams to ensure memory systems are usable across real-world education and workforce contexts.
- Identify and advance priority AI infrastructure layers for education and workforce systems, shaping investments across shared components that enable multiple downstream use cases.
Eligibility
The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in a related field, with experience working across education and workforce systems, and a strong understanding of how data and AI can support transitions, mobility, and outcomes across the learner-to-earner lifecycle.
- Deep experience and technical credibility in AI and data infrastructure, with a strong understanding of how systems are designed, integrated, and scaled across components and use cases.
- Experience with portable data and interoperable systems, and how they enable AI systems to leverage persistent, cross-context memory.
- Track record of operating in emerging, ambiguous technical spaces, translating early architectures into concrete investments, partnerships, or products.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
- Generous paid time off and paid family leave.
- Foundation-paid retirement contribution and regional holidays.
- Opportunities to engage in several employee communities.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Gates Foundation's website.
- Resume and cover letter.
- Transcripts or diplomas for advanced degrees.
- References from previous employers or professional contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Senior Program Officer role?
The Senior Program Officer role is a 24-month limited-term position.
What is the location of the role?
The role is based in Seattle, WA, and relocation will be provided.
What experience is required for the role?
The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in a related field, with experience working across education and workforce systems.
What is the focus of the USP Data & AI team?
The USP Data & AI team works to unlock the full potential of data and artificial intelligence to improve educational and economic outcomes.
What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Program Officer role?
The Senior Program Officer will lead investments focused on building the emerging portable memory and context infrastructure required for next-generation AI systems in education and workforce pathways.