Director, Communications (LATAM)

Smile Train

23h•$47,000 - $57,000

About The Position

The LATAM Communications Director will lead Smile Train's communications function across Latin America, driving strategic communications that strengthen institutional reputation, deepen partner engagement, and increase regional visibility and impact. This role requires a senior communications leader with proven experience in nonprofit, healthcare, public health, or similarly mission-driven environments, and a strong track record leading regional or global communications within complex matrix organizations. This is a mission-driven strategic communications leadership role focused on stakeholder engagement, institutional communications, and community building — not growth or performance marketing. The ideal candidate is a seasoned strategic communications leader combining mission-driven thinking, executive maturity, exceptional storytelling, and operational discipline. They bring structure to complexity, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and create communications strategies that foster trust, engagement, and measurable impact. They are highly detail-oriented, excellent listeners, and a thoughtful communicator who translates complexity into clarity, architects campaigns with clear objectives, and builds scalable processes and governance across Latin America within a complex global matrix organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Marketing, or related field.
Minimum 15 years of progressive communications leadership experience.
Proven leadership in regional or global communications within complex, matrixed organizations.
Demonstrated success building or transforming communications functions, including governance, workflows, and scalable systems.
Significant experience in nonprofit, NGO, public health, healthcare, or mission-driven organizations.
Proven success designing strategic communications campaigns across multiple channels and markets.
Strong executive communications and institutional storytelling experience.
Demonstrated ability managing agencies, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Professional fluency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish required.
Exceptional strategic judgment, communications maturity, and attention to detail.
Proven ability to bring structure and clarity to complex or ambiguous environments.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills across diverse audiences and cultural contexts.
Collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership style with a hands-on, low-ego approach.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree, MBA, MPH, or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
Familiarity with digital analytics, social media platforms, CMS, CRM, and project management tools.

Responsibilities

Design and strengthen the LATAM Communications function, including team structure, governance, workflows, and scalable operational processes.
Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing communications team.
Develop annual and multi-year regional communications strategies aligned with LATAM and global priorities.
Build cross-functional operating models with Programs, Advocacy, Finance, and Global Communications.
Establish planning processes, performance metrics, and reporting frameworks to measure regional impact.
Lead development and execution of strategic communications campaigns across Latin America with clear objectives, messaging architecture, and measurable outcomes.
Develop institutional narratives and storytelling that strengthen Smile Train's reputation, mission visibility, and partner engagement.
Oversee multi-channel communications across social media, digital platforms, newsletters, websites, and institutional assets.
Lead regional public relations and external communications in priority markets.
Build a vibrant LATAM Partner Community fostering engagement, recognition, and mission alignment.
Develop partner-facing communications tools, branding materials, and storytelling frameworks.
Support programmatic initiatives including Education & Training, advocacy priorities, and partner capacity-building.
Strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, and elevate comprehensive cleft care across the region.
Lead internal LATAM communications to strengthen alignment, transparency, and culture.
Partner with regional leadership to ensure integrated executive and organizational messaging.
Oversee operational communications infrastructure including translations, document governance, and asset management.
Lead communications planning for regional events, medical congresses, partner gatherings, and strategic stakeholder engagements.
Manage relationships with agencies, creative partners, translators, and external vendors with clear briefs, timelines, and quality standards.
Manage vendor budgets and deliverables ensuring strategic alignment and quality.
Serve as primary LATAM communications liaison with Global Communications.
Translate global campaigns and priorities into culturally relevant regional execution.
Ensure communications materials consistently meet regional and global quality expectations.