Chief Impact Officer

smiletrain; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Generous PTO

Parental Leave

Mental health support

Professional development stipend

Job summary

Smile Train in New York is seeking a Chief Impact Officer to lead global program strategy, innovation, and impact. You will oversee surgical and non-surgical cleft care programs, drive accountability, and partner with the C-suite to align priorities with the organization’s mission.

The role requires building high-performing, diverse teams, managing a multi-year budget, measuring outcomes, and representing Smile Train at global health forums.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of executive-level leadership in the C-suite or senior role.
• Experience in global program management, strategy, and oversight.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Previous NGO/global charity experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead global program strategy, innovation, and learning.
• Oversee global budget, forecasting, and financial oversight.
• Manage a global team including Regional Directors (5–6 direct reports).
• Ensure program quality, patient safety, and alignment with medical advisory boards.
• Drive digital transformation and AI-driven initiatives in programs.
• Represent Smile Train externally at conferences and partnerships.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Global program management

Data literacy

Project management

Relationship management

Multilingual abilities

NGO/global charity experience

Medical background desirable

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Classification: Exempt

Organizational Overview

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 allowed us to reach more than 2 million children in 90+ countries in the past 25 years, and we still feel like we’ve just started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!

Chief Impact Officer (CIP)

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• 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.

Global Program Operations & Oversight

• 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.

Innovation, Digital Transformation & Future Growth

• 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.

Leadership, Talent Development & Collaboration

• 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.

Data, Impact Measurement & Analytics

• 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.

Thought Leadership

• 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.

Travel

Annual travel for this role will be approximately 25% domestic and international.

Why You’ll Love Working Here!

• Meaningful Work – Be part of work that creates meaningful, lasting impact — changing the world one smile at a time.
• We’ve Got You 100% Covered – Prioritize the health of you and your family with top tier, comprehensive health, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage.
• Plan for Your Future - Build toward your long-term goals with our 100% vested 401(k) retirement plan and generous employer match to help invest in your future.
• Rest and Recharge - Enjoy a generous PTO package, paid holidays, Parental Leave and sick time so you can rest, recharge, and return feeling your best.
• Family Matters - We support employees through life’s most important moments with paid parental leave and family care benefits, giving you time and flexibility for the people who matter most.
• Mind Your Mental– Free access to professional mental health counseling to keep you grounded.
• Learn and Grow - Take advantage of an annual professional development stipend and opportunities to expand your skills and continue learning.
• Work Your Way - Balance collaboration and flexibility with our hybrid work model, based out of our conveniently located Midtown Manhattan office.
• See our impact firsthand while partnering with global colleagues and partners through opportunities for domestic and international travel

Required Education and Experience

• 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, advanced degree preferred
• Prior NGO and/or Global Charity experience

Candidate Profile

• 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
• Multilingual abilities and experience leading large, diverse teams are valued
• Experience in the world health global health sector
• Medical background /exposure desirable

Compensation

220K - 250K

Accountability Expectations

• 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

Application Process

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

To apply, please complete the application online. No application will be considered without a cover letter, including your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. Only those who provide a cover letter as directed will be considered. We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.