The Team
Success in math is one of the most powerful ways students can take charge of their futures. Building on more than two decades of work to improve K-12 teaching and learning in the U.S., the foundation has made a commitment to math as the cornerstone of student success. Our vision is that all students have access to educational opportunities – from Pre-K through postsecondary – that build the knowledge, skills, and agency needed to thrive as adults and contribute to their communities. Within K-12 education, we focus on improving math instruction and outcomes, with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of Black and Latino students and students from low-income backgrounds who are prepared for and complete Algebra I by 9th grade.
We aim to improve math education by supporting high-quality, engaging instructional materials and the tools and professional learning teachers need to use them effectively. We envision inclusive classrooms where instruction is tailored to student needs, digital tools personalize learning, and students receive the practice and support needed to master key concepts.
Posting Close Date: Monday, May 25th 11:59pm PDT.
Your Role
The Director of Education, K–12 is a rare opportunity to shape the future of learning at a pivotal moment for education. This leader will serve as the visionary integrator for the next generation of K–12 learning, advancing a bold AI-enabled strategy to dramatically accelerate student outcomes, particularly in math, with the ambition of enabling up to 1.6 years of learning in a single year through high quality instructional materials, tutoring, and other solutions and supports that enable teachers and student learning.
The Director will bridge research, product innovation, and real-world delivery at scale. They will oversee a dual-track portfolio that both:
Over time, the ambition is to bring these tracks together – ensuring that AI-enabled systems solve previously intractable challenges in equitable and responsible ways. The Director must combine entrepreneurial curiosity with disciplined management, delivering measurable impact now while stewarding a 20-year vision aligned to the foundation’s 2030 and 2045 goals.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership:
Product & Portfolio Excellence
Partnership & Systems Influence
Team Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
Your Experience
Other Attributes
Must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located. The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. This includes direct company sponsorship and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (eg: H-1B, O-1, L-1, E, OPT, STEM-OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).
The salary range for this role is $335,000 to $519,200 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 $368,500 to $571,100 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
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact HR@gatesfoundation.org with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.
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.
