Associate, Community Development

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90 countries and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time. 

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals.  Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!     

We are looking for an Associate to support the Community Development team, specifically focusing on the Young Leadership Circle (YLC) and Team EMPOWER. The Associate will provide administrative and programmatic support to ensure the successful operation and growth of these programs. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about project management, peer-to-peer fundraising, endurance-based fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship.

The Associate will report to the Senior Manager of Community Development & Team EMPOWER. This is a full-time role based at our headquarters in New York City, starting as soon as possible.

Responsibilities: 

Support Young Leadership Circle (YLC): 

• Assist with the application and onboarding process, including design, launch, and promotion of the annual YLC application.
• Support program management by coordinating quarterly meetings, maintaining a calendar of communications, and serving as a liaison between Smile Train and the individual YLC members.
• Ensure members have the fundraising and engagement tools and resources necessary to meet their goals. 
• Assist in committee management by determining committee needs, supporting co-chairs, and tracking progress.
• Support YLC members as they host local community events and potentially assist with the planning of a large-scale NYC-based event.
• Manage internal and external communications, working closely with Smile Train’s Communications team to share stories and PR opportunities related to YLC.

Support Team EMPOWER: 

• Assist with athlete engagement, including outreach to former participants and facilitating a pipeline of future athletic partners.
• Provide administrative support for event weekend activities, including team meet-ups, awards breakfasts, and cheer points.
• Manage Team EMPOWER's social media account, ensuring consistent weekly postings and scheduling future content.
• Support the stewardship of marathon event/race organizers to ensure compliance with race contracts and manage entries.

General Support: 

• Participate in planning and brainstorming sessions with the Community Development team.
• Conduct research projects related to fundraising and stewardship programs.
• Undertake administrative tasks, special projects, and other responsibilities as requested  

Essential functions:

For this role, the ability to lift, walk, and cover long distances is essential. This role demands physical endurance and strength to manage tasks such as setting up and breaking down event sites, transporting materials, and assisting participants.

Travel:

This role requires flexibility to travel and work during weekends and some weeknights, often dependent on different time zones. The candidate must be willing to adapt their schedule to meet the demands of events and team needs, ensuring smooth operations across various locations. Additionally, a willingness to travel internationally is essential, as the position involves coordinating and attending events in various locations.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field, such as fundraising or non-profit management or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 1-2 years relevant experience.
• Experience in non-profit sector and fundraising strongly preferred
• Experience with strategic event planning and logistics
• Strong writing, editing and public speaking skills
• Project and time management skills with high attention to detail
• Outgoing and engaging personality (athletic is a plus)
• Able to work nights and weekends as needed to accommodate event schedules
• Ability to lift 15 pounds

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

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 online. Include your CV, a writing sample (an existing example of your writing – no need to create something new), and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.