The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve.We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities.As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The Exemplars in Global Health (EGH) team is a global initiative that helps public health decision-makers learn from successful ‘positive outliers.’ In our work, we identify countries that have achieved exceptional progress in health outcomes, analyze the complex drivers behind their success, and share these insights to inform strategic decisions, policymaking, and funding allocation.
The EGH program operates through two primary verticals:
1. Research & Content (R&C) – Focused on conducting in-depth research across global health topics.
2. Partnerships & Insights (P&I) – A function dedicated to translating research into policy impact by engaging stakeholders, strengthening partnerships, and disseminating findings.
Through a network of global research partners, EGH's work spans several key research and content areas, including:
• Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH)
• Epidemic Preparedness & Response (EPR)
• Health Systems Strengthening (HSS)
• Women’s Health, Health Equity & Nutrition
• Climate Resilient Health Systems
Originally incubated at Gates Ventures, the EGH team will transition to the Gates Foundation in 2025. We seek a strategic leader to drive research excellence, stakeholder engagement, and global impact as a member of the foundation.
**Please note that this search is being supported by SRI Executive Search and Consulting**
Your Role
As the Director of Exemplars in Global Health, you will lead a dynamic, cross-functional team responsible for producing high-impact research and engaging decision-makers worldwide to drive policy decisions. This includes:
Set the Vision for Research Strategies & Knowledge Development – Leading academic partnerships, ensuring methodological rigor, and translating research into actionable insights.
Lead the Expansion of Partnerships & Policy Influence – Engaging governments, funders, and multilateral organizations to integrate EGH findings into strategic decision-making.
Strengthening Dissemination & Audience Engagement – Enhancing EGH’s digital platforms, publications, and outreach to ensure research reaches key audiences.
You will also collaborate closely with in-country research teams, advisory groups, and cross-sector partners to drive the adoption of evidence-based policies.
What You’ll Do
Research & Content Development
Lead the multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, analysts, and product designers in conducting and synthesizing studies across global health topics.
Set the vision for and facilitate the development of cross-country research, thematic deep-dives, and tailored analytical tools to elevate insights into action
Ensure research outputs are rigorous, actionable, and scalable, responding to country-specific needs.
Manage and mentor vertical topic leads, ensuring high-quality execution and strategic alignment to EGH’s research vision, partnerships and sphere of influence
Facilitate the development of new topic areas and guide the prioritization of team resources, including headcount and budget
Partnerships & Policy Influence
Develop and strengthen relationships with Gates Foundation program strategy teams (PSTs), as well as regional country offices (RCOs), as well as government partners, ministries of health, multilateral institutions and philanthropic partner organizations
Drive strategies in close collaboration with governments and our advocacy teams to integrate EGH findings into national policies (e.g., maternal health, vaccine confidence, health system strengthening).
Lead technical assistance efforts to ensure research uptake, influencing policy frameworks at country and global levels for increased impact
Oversee the expansion of EGH’s learning platforms and country partnership
Strategic Communications & Dissemination
Lead global outreach efforts, ensuring EGH’s findings are widely accessible via publications, digital tools, and strategic convenings.
Develop innovative dissemination strategies, including the use of AI-powered tools and policy briefs tailored for decision-makers.
Partner with leading media outlets, advocacy groups, and multilateral organizations to elevate EGH’s impact.
Critical Leadership Capabilities
Your Experience
20+ years of experience in global health research, policy, development strategy, or consulting.
Advanced degree (MPH, PhD, MD, or equivalent) preferred.
Proven expertise in research leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.
Deep knowledge of health financing, health systems strengthening, and global development funding mechanisms.
Track record of driving policy impact, securing partnerships, and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
Strong data analysis, writing, and presentation skills, with experience engaging high-level decision-makers.
Ability to travel up to 30% internationally.
#LI-JM1
The salary range for this role is $293,200 to $454,400 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $319,500 to $495,300 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.
Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.
All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.
