Chief Impact Officer

Smile Train•New York, NY

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft-focused organization. Our goal is to transform the lives of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive treatment. Our sustainable model has resulted in reaching over 2 million children in 90+ countries in the past 25 years. As Smile Train’s Chief Impact Officer (CIP), the successful candidate will lead the strategic oversight for the organization’s global programmatic portfolio and impact, ensuring the continued growth, evolution, and implementation of initiatives in alignment with Smile Train’s purpose and organizational priorities. The CIP will oversee both surgical and non-surgical (comprehensive cleft care) programs, driving innovation and operational excellence across all areas of work and impact. This role demands a highly accountable, visionary, and strategic leader who can effectively lead Smile Train’s global programs team, foster collaboration, and serve as a credible global ambassador for a remarkable, world-class organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to evaluate emerging trends, adapt forward-thinking strategies, and thoughtfully implement modern programmatic structures and operating models that strengthen organizational effectiveness, impact, clarity, and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of executive-level leadership experience within the C-suite or senior executive environment
Demonstrated experience in global programmatic management, strategy, and operational oversight
Bachelor’s degree required
Proven leadership and strategic thinking
Data literacy: Fluent ability to interpret and leverage data for program impact
Project and relationship management, networking, and presentation skills
Dynamic team management
Ownership of Outcomes: Takes full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
Transparent Communication: Communicates openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.
Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
Empowerment: Effectively communicates with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role
Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Must include a cover letter, including your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred
Prior NGO and/or Global Charity experience
Multilingual abilities and experience with large, diverse teams are valued
Experience in the world health global health sector
Medical background /exposure desirable

Responsibilities

Collaborates closely with organizational leadership within the C-suite to ensure strong alignment between enterprise-wide strategic goals with global programmatic priorities.
Establishes clear KPI structures, accountability measures, and performance attainment metrics to drive organizational effectiveness.
Leads the organization’s global impact agenda across program strategy, innovation, and program learning.
Strengthens, measures, and advances Smile Train’s global footprint and long-term programmatic effectiveness worldwide.
Champions a culture of accountability, cross-functional partnership, and operational excellence throughout the global programs structure.
Develops, oversees, and monitors the annual global programmatic budget to ensure effective fiscal management and alignment with organizational and programmatic priorities.
Partners closely with the Finance team to establish and maintain strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight processes that support operational efficiency, accountability, and adherence to approved programmatic plans and expenditures.
Provides executive leadership and oversight to a global team consisting of senior-level direct reports including Regional Directors and functional leaders, comprising approximately 5 –6 direct reports.
Ensures program quality, patient safety, and alignment with Smile Train’s global Medical Advisory Board and regional Medical Advisory Councils recommendations and global healthcare best practices.
Supports effective project management, medical partner relationship management, and operational execution across international programs and strategic partnerships.
Understands the need for digital transformation and intentionally develops the thoughtful integration of AI-driven, innovative technologies across Smile Train’s global programs.
Ensures the organization continues to evolve, strengthens operational effectiveness, expands impact, and remains at the forefront of modern global healthcare and cleft program delivery.
Fosters innovation within the C-suite and leadership team and proactively identifies emerging opportunities to strengthen organizational growth and impact.
Maintains external visibility and thought leadership opportunities through active participation in global health conferences, building strategic partnerships, and industry events.
Mentors, coaches, and develops senior leaders and team members to build organizational capability and leadership depth.
Builds and sustains high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven teams across regions and functions.
Demonstrates strong networking, presentation, and executive communication skills in both internal and external environments.
Values and leverages multicultural perspectives, with multilingual abilities and experience leading large, globally diverse teams, are considered a strong asset.
Analyzes and interprets organizational and programmatic data to strengthen decision-making and maximize program impact.
Develops and monitors measurable outcomes and reporting frameworks to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic progress across global initiatives.
Serves as a strategic thought partner to the C-suite and executive leadership team, helping to identify and advance opportunities that strengthen Smile Train’s global impact, visibility, and long-term growth.
Collaborates cross-functionally to communicate programmatic priorities, emerging needs, and impact opportunities that support fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and organizational advancement.
Partners closely with Development and Communications teams to elevate compelling programmatic stories, outcomes, and global impact narratives that reinforce Smile Train’s purpose and brand.
Contributes to organizational thought leadership by bringing innovative ideas, sector insights, and purpose-driven strategies that position Smile Train as the leader in global cleft care and worldwide global surgery innovation.