Director, Communications (LATAM)

Organizational Overview

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft-focused organization. Our vision is a world where everyone has access to safe, high-quality comprehensive cleft care and can live a full and healthy life. We train and support doctors and other medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive cleft treatment. This sustainable model has allowed us to support more than 2 million cleft surgeries in 95+ countries since our founding in 1999, and we’re still just getting started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!    

Make a Difference!

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.

Candidate Profile

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.

Key Responsibilities

 Function Building

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.

Strategic Communications & Campaign Leadership

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.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

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.

Internal Communications & Organizational Alignment

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.

Events, Agency & Vendor Leadership

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.

Global Coordination

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.

Required Education and Experience

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.

Preferred Education and Experience

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.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

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.

Compensation

USD 47,000 – 57,000/year (CLT contract)

Smile Train team members enjoy a full range of innovative benefits

Travel

Ability to travel within Latin America and internationally as required

Accountability Expectations

Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.

Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.

Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.

Empowerment: Effectively communicate 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. Include 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.