Director, Global Program Advocacy and Communications, Health – Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking an experienced global health and advocacy leader for the position of Director, Global Program Advocacy and Communications (Global PAC), Health. This senior leadership opportunity is based in Seattle, Washington, or Washington, D.C., USA, with London, UK also being considered.
The position offers an opportunity for a highly experienced professional to shape global health advocacy, financing and policy strategies while working across governments, multilateral organisations, development partners, civil society and philanthropic institutions.
Applications are accepted until 27 November 2026.
About the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a global nonprofit organisation working to address poverty, disease and inequality.
Its Global Policy & Advocacy division works to understand and influence public policy, build support for major programme objectives and develop partnerships that can advance global development outcomes.
The Global Program Advocacy & Communications (GPAC) team provides specialised advocacy and communications expertise across markets. It translates programme priorities into advocacy strategies, develops evidence for decision-makers, builds advocacy coalitions and leads global issue communications.
About the Role
The Director will lead Global PAC Health during a period of significant change in global health financing and policy.
The role will focus on turning the Foundation’s health priorities into political commitment, financing and policy change while helping strengthen health systems that countries can own and sustain beyond individual donors.
The Director will lead teams aligned with the Foundation’s Global Health, Global Development and Gender Equality divisions, as well as Health Communications.
The position will contribute to major priorities including maternal and child survival, health research and development, innovation introduction and health financing.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for setting and implementing the Global PAC Health strategy and ensuring that advocacy efforts deliver measurable results.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing integrated advocacy, financing, policy and communications strategies.
- Advising programme strategy teams on advocacy opportunities.
- Building partnerships with regional and country teams, particularly in Africa and India.
- Supporting health financing and resource mobilisation efforts.
- Developing investment cases and policy proposals.
- Building coalitions with governments, multilateral institutions, civil society and philanthropic organisations.
- Supporting reforms to the global health financing architecture.
- Advancing policy and governance approaches for AI in health.
- Leading global health communications and evidence-based narratives.
- Managing communications and reputational risks.
- Promoting innovation and learning across advocacy teams.
- Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing international team.
The Director will also help strengthen South-South exchange and support the adoption of proven approaches across countries.
Required Qualifications and Experience
The Foundation is seeking a senior leader with a master’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in public policy, public health, health economics, international relations or international development.
Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressive senior-level experience leading teams and policy, advocacy or financing initiatives in global health and development.
Experience working with governments in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa or South Asia, is preferred.
Applicants should have strong knowledge of health financing and health systems, including domestic resource mobilisation, government budgeting and the role of global health initiatives.
A demonstrated record of mobilising resources from bilateral, multilateral, development bank and philanthropic funders is also required.
Strong expertise in advocacy, policy analysis, communications, coalition building and partnership development is essential.
Experience with digital public infrastructure, data and artificial intelligence and their implications for health systems is also valuable.
Professional working proficiency in French or Portuguese is considered an asset.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for the role is $299,100 to $463,500 USD.
For positions based in Seattle or Washington, D.C., the salary range is $328,900 to $509,900 USD.
The Foundation also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions and other employee benefits.
The position requires a willingness to travel at least 30%, with significant travel expected across Africa and Asia.
How to Apply
Qualified senior leaders interested in global health advocacy, financing and policy are encouraged to apply through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation careers platform.
Applications will be accepted until 27 November 2026.
This is a senior international leadership opportunity for professionals who can combine global health expertise, advocacy strategy, financing knowledge, communications, partnership building and organisational leadership to influence policy and improve health outcomes worldwide.
