Rory O’Sullivan

Rory provides federal policy leadership and grantmaking support to Arnold Ventures' Higher Education team. He focuses on ensuring public investments drive better student outcomes through aligned incentives.

Before joining Arnold Ventures, Rory built a successful consulting practice, advising advocacy organizations and foundations on policy strategy, campaign development, and grantmaking. Previously, he was a Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he led the national higher education policy portfolio.

Rory's commitment to student success began early in his career as a co-founder of Young Invincibles, a national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for young adults. He has testified before Congress, represented students in U.S. Department of Education regulatory negotiations, and published policy research in a range of major media outlets.

Rory holds a J.D. and Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Pomona College. He serves on the board of the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, and previously held director roles with the National Skills Coalition and the Campaign for College Opportunity.