Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. We’re always looking for curious, passionate, and innovative thinkers to join our team and help us grow smarter, stronger, and more impactful. If that sounds like you, please read on.

Smile Train is an international nonprofit headquartered in New York. Our vision is to transform the life of every person impacted by cleft lip and palate. We empower local medical professionals to provide free, comprehensive cleft care to children globally. With a sustainable model and local capacity-building at its core, we’ve supported more than 2 million surgeries across 90+ countries—and we’re just getting started.

We are seeking a Manager, Program Advancement to join our team and help evolve the systems, strategies, and tools that drive Smile Train’s global impact. The Program Advancement Manager will serve as a key driver of global program advancement initiatives that strengthen global alignment, enhance partner and patient engagement, support advocacy and policy, and advance Smile Train’s program operations through cross-regional collaboration and innovation. This includes leading the development of onboarding frameworks for both internal program staff and external treatment partners to ensure consistent integration into Smile Train’s model of care. They will play an active role in designing and implementing innovative partner and patient engagement strategies—from structured global feedback systems to recognition programs and communications that deepen connection, amplify voice, and improve collaboration. The Manager will also support Smile Train’s advocacy and policy efforts by coordinating high-profile global events and supporting Smile Train’s engagement in coalitions and working groups as needed.

Reporting to the Director of Program Advancement, this full-time position is based in the United States and will require occasional domestic and international travel.

Key Responsibilities & Duties
Drive Global Program Alignment
• Lead the expansion, dissemination, and maintenance of key programmatic materials, including a Programs Handbook, to ensure strategic and operational alignment across regions.
• Lead the development of onboarding strategies and curricula for new Program Managers and regional programmatic staff.
• Design and implement structured onboarding strategies for treatment partners, building capacity and ensuring consistent, high-quality integration into Smile Train’s global model.
• Collaborate with regional and HQ teams to establish clear KPIs, measurable goals, and tracking systems for programmatic staff performance and accountability.
• Facilitate and document meetings with regional teams to assess clarity of purpose and track progress towards KPIs.
• Support in the development of resources such as FAQs to ensure programmatic alignment regarding new strategies or global directives.
• Manage relationship with Smile Train’s HQ translation services company to ensure efficient workflow processes and project prioritization.
• Maintain and update Smile Train’s Programs SharePoint site, including change management as Smile Train HQ and Global Programs team members utilize new SharePoint workspaces, working with internal communications to address issues, ensure adherence, and maximize efficiency of use across Programs Teams.

Global Advocacy and Policy

• Support the planning and execution of global advocacy events, including the development of concept notes and runs of show, selection of and communication with speakers, event branding and materials, and coordination of travel logistics.
• Engage with Smile Train advocacy coalitions and working groups as needed.
• Research additional opportunities for advocacy that align with Smile Train’s priorities and model.
• Work with US Community team to support advocacy priorities.

Expand Partner/ Patient Engagement and Recognition
• Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of innovative partner engagement initiatives in response to identified needs, performance gaps, and strategic goals.
• Create and implement strategies for effective change management and better serving partners across Smile Train.
• Produce and distribute Smile Train’s global Partner Newsletter, collaborating with HQ and regional teams to ensure timely and relevant communications.
• Create and implement a global patient feedback strategy, integrating insights into program planning and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead the expansion and implementation of patient engagement initiatives, such as a patient passport and backpack program, and identify new strategic opportunities for patient engagement.
• Support the evolution of Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center (CLCs) strategies and the relevance of CLCs to Smile Train as an organization, focusing on partner stewardship and patient engagement.

Application Information
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 through the link below. Include a copy of your resume and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.