Senior Program Officer, Data & AI Infrastructure Integration

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Senior Program Officer leading R&D efforts in data and AI for education equity. Setting up infrastructure to optimize learning pathways and outcomes for students using AI solutions.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeWashington, DC • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $190,000 - $294,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates mastery-level expertise in implementation research methodologies and education data systems, with a focus on building AI-native infrastructure that enhances data feedback loops. Proven ability to lead R&D initiatives and synthesize complex findings to inform strategy and equity-centered decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Implementation Research MethodologiesEducation Data SystemsAI Infrastructure DevelopmentGrant Portfolio ManagementEquity-Centered Decision Making

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Implementation ResearchIterative Learning CyclesData System IntegrationEvidence GenerationData Infrastructure Design

Soft Skills

Proactive Problem SolvingStakeholder AlignmentComplex Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Education Research

Industry Keywords

Education-to-Workforce Data SystemsAI DeploymentEquity in EducationR&D Investment Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and integrate crucial public good infrastructure to support evidence-based AI-native data system implementation that strengthens data feedback loops.
Lead a research and development portfolio to test, co-develop, and refine integrated data and AI infrastructure solutions in real-world education and workforce contexts.
Design and lead iterative learning cycles at the intersection of the AI Infrastructure and System Feedback Loops (SFL) portfolios.
Generate actionable evidence about what conditions, infrastructure configurations, and integrated approaches accelerate impact for learners.
Apply mastery-level expertise in implementation research and education data systems, and a proactive, solutions-oriented perspective to navigate ambiguity and drive thorough, equity-centered inquiry in partnership with grantees, researchers, and cross-divisional colleagues.

Requirements

What you’ll need

An Advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in education research, learning sciences, public policy, or a related field.
Mastery level knowledge of implementation research methodologies, including iterative learning cycles, theory of implementation, and approaches to testing and validating interventions in real-world contexts at scale.
Significant experience working with education-to-workforce data systems, including building, expanding, and/or using key federal, state, and private data sources, with deep knowledge of how data infrastructure intersects with AI deployment and learner outcomes.
Significant experience designing and leading sophisticated grant portfolios or R&D investment programs, with proven ability to generate actionable evidence and translate findings into strategy refinements.
Proven ability to make informed decisions that consider the impacts of data and technology on equity, particularly how AI can be developed and deployed to support and uplift Black, Latino, Indigenous students, and students from low-income backgrounds.
Significant experience building and sustaining partnerships across research, practice, and technology communities, with the ability to use informal influence and non-positional leadership to align diverse stakeholders around shared learning goals.
Proven excellence in synthesizing and communicating complex technical findings for diverse audiences, including foundation leadership, grantees, and external partners.
Must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located. The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

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