Deputy Director, AI Infrastructure – Education

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Deputy Director leading AI Infrastructure for Education at a nonprofit focused on fighting global inequities. Shaping strategies and leading coalitions to enhance AI solutions in education.

Posted 5/20/2026full-timeSeattle • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $261,700 - $405,700 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement the AI Market and Solutions strategy to enable high-quality, trusted, and evidence-based AI solutions in education.
Oversee a portfolio of investments and partnerships that catalyze responsible innovation in AI and EdTech.
Identify and manage key portfolio risks, developing and implementing mitigation plans.
Partner with the Strategy, Planning, and Management (SPM) team to develop annual investment plans and budgets.
Guide the generation and use of evidence to assess AI tools’ efficacy, safety, and fairness.
Strengthen market incentives and infrastructure for transparent and validated AI adoption across learning and workforce systems.
Build and lead coalitions with AI companies, EdTech providers, research institutions, and funders to advance responsible AI practices.
Apply systems thinking to connect data innovations with educational and workforce outcomes.
Manage partnerships and grantee relationships through site visits, convenings, and evaluation of progress toward milestones.
Model equitable decision-making and inclusive leadership behaviors, addressing issues promptly and constructively.
Ensure the team has the resources and conditions needed to thrive and deliver impact.

Requirements

What you’ll need

An advanced degree in a relevant field or equivalent demonstrated experience
Deep understanding of both AI and EdTech markets, including major players, business models, and innovation pipelines.
Proven track record of building relationships across AI and education sectors, including executives, product leaders, engineers, and researchers.
Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends and translate insights into actionable strategies.
Experience leading multi-stakeholder collaborations or coalitions, ideally across competitive landscapes.
Successful history of managing and developing high-performing teams, balancing autonomy with accountability.
Prior leadership in evidence generation, product validation, or technology governance strongly preferred.
Record of adapting strategy in response to evolving technical, political, and funding conditions.
Thoughtfully communicates complex information and data in written and oral formats; synthesizes large volumes of information into clear recommendations and decisions; and advocates and communicates effectively with a broad and diverse audience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums
generous paid time off
paid family leave
foundation-paid retirement contribution
regional holidays
opportunities to engage in several employee communities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

AI solutionsEdTechevidence generationproduct validationtechnology governancemarket analysisstrategy developmentrisk managementdata innovationsmulti-stakeholder collaboration

Soft Skills

inclusive leadershipequitable decision-makingrelationship buildingcommunicationteam managementanalytical thinkingadaptabilitysynthesis of informationadvocacyconstructive feedback

Certifications

advanced degree