Chief Executive Officer

Gates Foundation•Cambridge, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) is a non-profit biopharmaceutical development organization primarily dedicated to the development of impactful biopharmaceutical interventions for diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest populations. Headquartered in Cambridge MA, the Institute is designed to advance novel drug, biologics, and vaccine candidates through late-stage development and registration. The Institute encompasses experienced biopharmaceutical development professionals across regulatory, CMC, and clinical functions as well as comprehensive operational support functions. The Institute’s programs are managed by its internal teams and functional areas in collaboration, working with partners across the global health ecosystem. The Institute is based on five core “mantras” that are embedded within the organization and its people: Urgency, Collaboration, Innovation, Rigor, and Courage. As a wholly owned subsidiary and separate legal entity of the Gates Foundation, the Institute partners scientifically, operationally, and financially with the foundation to leverage the foundation’s ongoing support and contributions toward the achievement of global health equity. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Gates MRI through a pivotal evolution of its vision, setting a clear strategic direction and ensuring strong alignment with the Gates Foundation and key stakeholders around enterprise priorities. The CEO will advance Gates MRI as a biopharmaceutical development organization focused on translational programs to late-stage development, strengthening its position as a preferred development partner across priority disease area and novel platforms with Program Strategy Teams. This includes building a flexible, high-quality, and cost-effective development organization that accelerates the translation of scientific innovation across key indications into impactful health solutions through a partnership model. The role requires a credible, outcomes-oriented leader who combines scientific rigor with enterprise leadership, strengthening the operating model, decision governance, and performance accountability required to deliver high-quality clinical development particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through a network of strategic partners.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent strongly preferred)
20+ years of experience in global healthcare and/or biopharmaceutical delivery, including leadership roles with Board of Directors level accountability
Strong track record of delivering clinical development programs in LMIC settings through CROs and strategic partners
Experience working within matrixed organizations with strong governance and stakeholder alignment requirements
Proven ability to build and manage strategic partnerships, including CROs and regional clinical networks
Strong business and operational acumen, including experience with lean operating models and externalized execution (e.g., FSP models)
Experience in managing organizational continuity, change, and transition
Trustworthy with highest integrity and commitment to ethics
Demonstrated passion for the Gates MRI values with a commitment to deliver results against our mission
Excellent communication skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team, internal, and external partners
Flexible and able to multitask; can work within a fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
Successful completion of a background check

Nice To Haves

Commitment and willingness to uphold the Institute’s core values, guiding principles, and governing policies

Responsibilities

Define and execute the Institute’s long-term strategy as a development organization, aligned with Gates Foundation priorities
Position Gates MRI as a preferred development partner to internal Program Strategy Teams and external stakeholders in key disease domain areas
Develop and lead a high-performing executive leadership team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence
Articulate a compelling vision that connects scientific innovation to global health impact, aligning teams and partners around shared purpose and outcomes
Navigate ambiguity and drive clarity across a highly matrixed, cross-functional, and globally distributed set of partners
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and measurable outcomes, while empowering teams to operate with autonomy
Lead and evolve a lean, flexible development organization, leveraging a functional service provider (FSP)-based operating model to enable efficient execution
Oversee a portfolio focused on translational development, with targeted full development programs as strategically required.
Ensure delivery of high-quality, cost-effective clinical studies, particularly in LMIC settings, anchored through strategic partners
Ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and execution excellence across all platform-enabled activities
Build and lead a networked partner ecosystem spanning biopharma, CROs, academia, global health organizations, and in-country institutions
Establish and maintain strategic relationships that enable Gates MRI to operate as a hub for coordinated development execution
Structure and oversee partnerships, including co-development and public-private collaborations, aligned with Foundation priorities
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and Gates Foundation leadership, ensuring strong alignment with Foundation strategy, governance, and priorities
Provide clear, data-driven updates on platform performance, portfolio progress, risks, and opportunities
Support governance, policy development, and long-term planning within the context of the broader Gates ecosystem
Oversee financial strategy, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across a lean, partner-enabled platform model
Ensure strong operational systems, compliance, and global regulatory adherence
Maintain organizational effectiveness and sustainability
Serve as the primary spokesperson and global ambassador for the Institute
Strengthen the Institute’s reputation as a high-quality, execution-focused development partner
Lead public relations and stakeholder communication efforts