Director, Strategy, Planning and Management, and Chief of Staff, People Team

The Director, Strategy, Planning and Management, and Chief of Staff, People Team, (DSPM/CoS) supports the Chief People Officer (CPO) in leading a high-impact, inclusive, and globally connected People function. This role leads and shapes strategy development and refinement, sets business rhythms, advances leadership priorities, strengthens internal and external engagement, and supports the CPO's leadership of the function and participation in foundation-wide efforts. You will also oversee high-impact, cross-foundation initiatives-such as Partnerships for Impact (P4I)-that supports how we work with partners to achieve enduring outcomes.

The ideal candidate thrives in both ambiguity and complexity, skillfully moving initiatives from concept to execution, and adapting implementation as needed. The DSPM/CoS develops a team and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the People Team's work is integrated, effective, and aligned with the foundation's mission and values. The DSPM CoS will also regularly represent the CPO and the People function's perspective on complex issues in cross-foundation forums.

In this role, you will have both operational and strategic/content responsibilities, including:

• Provide critical support and counsel to the CPO across a range of issues including meetings, events, trips, strategy, and grant/contract reviews, working groups, projects, reading materials, and correspondence.

• Ensure the CPO voice is used internally and externally to align collaborators and support the achievement of division goals and impact. Oversee preparation, follow-up, and strategic framing for the CPO's engagements (internal and external).

• Represent the CPO and the People Team in cross-foundation efforts, forums, and external engagements.

• Partner with the CPO on executive, senior leader and board engagements (e.g. ELT actions groups such Executive Operations Action Group, Employee Experience Action Group as well as the Human Capital Total Reward board committee.)

• Translate CPO and division priorities and direction into an actionable plan to enhance effectiveness and track progress against goals.

• Lead strategy development and refinement, including scenario planning, investment incubation, and KPI tracking. Bring external perspective, push innovative thinking and learning to support longer term planning.

• Design and manage systems for setting, tracking, and communicating strategic and operational KPIs. Oversee MLE frameworks to assess progress, inform adaptation, and influence broader foundation strategies.

• Lead critical initiatives that advance cross-team collaboration as well as cross-functional initiatives such as Partnerships for Impact (P4I).

• Incubate emerging priorities and define decision criteria, investment/resourcing strategies, and organizational alignment.

• Ensure that the views and needs of our regions, divisions and operational functions are represented across our work and priorities.

• Lead business planning and key processes (e.g., budgeting, headcount, portfolio planning) to ensure efficient and aligned operations.

• Develop and lead a team to support delivery of high-visibility, complex team initiatives through project management, change enablement, and org effectiveness consulting.

• Supervise learning strategy and internal agenda as well as administration of budget, headcount, etc.

• Oversee and advise the CPO on the team's workforce planning, capabilities, and optional allocation of headcount, including the development and management of direct and indirect reports (e.g. borrowed or outsource resources).

• Rhythm of Business: Set and manage the RoB, ensuring smooth preparation, follow-through for leadership team and other meetings, and streamlined internal communications. Define, lead, and optimize annual business processes (e.g. resource, strategy, and portfolio planning) and coordinate divisional outputs for foundation-wide deliverables.

• Operational Excellence: Lead process improvements and change management for operational initiatives as they roll out to the division. Facilitate cross-division best practice sharing, knowledge and information management.

• Strengthen communication channels to ensure alignment and shared understanding of strategy, priorities, milestones, and updates with internal collaborators across teams and regions.

• Lead cross-functional communication efforts to support strategic projects, ensuring smooth information flow and partner engagement.

• Partner with CPO in implementation, communication and change management related to People team priorities.

• Build and develop direct reports; foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

• Lead design and facilitation of internal team meetings, retreats, and other activities that strengthen team cohesion and culture.

• Serve as an active member of the CoS Community of Practice, contributor to foundation-wide initiatives, and a connector across divisions (e.g., Business Ops, Finance, Legal) to enable enterprise cohesion. Partner closely with Business Operations CoS/DSPM to ensure coordination and alignment with division priorities.

• Support, coordinate, and ensure clear communications and roles and responsibilities for the People teams' business and program partners to enhance impact and clarity.

• Advanced degree with 15+ years of experience, or equivalent experience.

• 15+ years of experience in roles of expanding scope, responsibility, and demonstrable results. Demonstrated success in planning, business operations, and performance management in complex, global environments.

• Track record of inclusive people management and talent development. Excellent people leadership skills with demonstrated experience in coaching and developing talent. Ability to foster equitable and inclusive practices to create a work environment where everyone can do their best work.

• Skilled at navigating confidential and politically sensitive matters with diplomacy, sound judgment, and discretion. Shown ability to influence and build coalitions without formal authority.

• Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic, and operational situations, demonstrating culturally fluent behavior across contexts.

• Expertise in leading pivotal initiatives, cross-functional projects, and change management efforts.

• Highly organized, thorough, and adept at handling competing priorities with clarity and focus.

• Ability to partner with HR leaders, DEI experts, and business leaders to translate people strategies into measurable, enterprise-wide outcomes.

• Experience working in Africa, Asia, or global contexts highly preferred.

• Experience supporting or leading within People, Human Resources, Talent, or DEI function, with demonstrated understanding of core people practices such as workforce planning, organizational design, culture shaping, and inclusive leadership preferred.

• Foundation knowledge and experience preferred with previous roles in strategy, planning & management (SPM) experience and in close partnership with People functions.

• Willingness to travel up to 20%; both domestic and international.

Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

The salary range for this role is $293,200.00 to $454,400.00 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 $319,500.00 to $495,300.00 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.