Deputy Director (Executive Director Designate)

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) is seeking a visionary, results-driven, and mission-aligned leader to serve as its Deputy Director, with the express expectation of transitioning into the Executive Director position within six months. This is a rare and high-impact leadership opportunity for a candidate who is passionate about transforming lives through access to safe, effective, and timely cleft care and committed to long-term social and health system development in the Philippines.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Deputy Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring strategic continuity, programmatic excellence, and operational readiness during this transition. Working closely with the current Executive Director, the Deputy Director will be immersed in every aspect of organizational leadership—from strategic planning and mission delivery to stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and operational governance. This role is designed to provide a deep runway for onboarding, relationship-building, and institutional learning in preparation for full executive leadership.

Ideal candidates are seasoned professionals with a strong track record of leadership in healthcare, nonprofit management, or development sectors, particularly in organizations that operate at the intersection of medical service delivery, public-private partnerships, and community impact. The successful candidate must be capable of managing complex programs, building high-trust relationships across sectors, and inspiring cross-functional teams, all while upholding the core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence that define Operation Smile's global mission.

• Leadership Transition & Strategic Support (25%)
• Serve as a core strategic partner to the current Executive Director in the execution of short- and long-term organizational priorities.
• Participate in high-level decision-making meetings, including those with the Board of Trustees (BOT), Medical Council, global Operation Smile network, and external stakeholders.
• Lead cross-cutting initiatives assigned by the ED, ensuring timely implementation, stakeholder alignment, and strategic impact.
• Begin to represent OSP at key public forums, conferences, and media engagements, positioning the organization as a trusted leader in cleft care and health equity.
• Build institutional knowledge and leadership capital to ensure a seamless transition into the ED role within six months.
• Program Oversight & Expansion (20%)
• Work closely with the Program Manager and clinical teams to oversee the execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of OSP’s patient care programs, surgical programs, and cleft care center operations.
• Support the scaling of innovative program models, including virtual care platforms, community-based interventions, nutrition support, and training initiatives for healthcare providers.
• Ensure that program implementation adheres to OS Global Standards of Care and aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives and available resources.
• Conduct regular site visits to deepen partnerships and monitor impact at the local level.
• Stakeholder & Volunteer Engagement (15%)
• Build and sustain strong, values-driven relationships with a wide array of stakeholders—including medical volunteers, hospital partners, government agencies, private sector sponsors, and community-based organizations.
• Strengthen volunteer engagement frameworks, including credentialing systems, stratification tools, onboarding and retention strategies, and capacity-building efforts.
• Serve as a liaison to the Medical Council and volunteer leadership groups, addressing issues of alignment, morale, and operational planning.
• Collaborate with the global Operation Smile network to ensure cohesion and collaboration across mission sites, volunteer exchanges, and educational efforts.
• Fundraising & Resource Mobilization (25%)
• Collaborate with the Development Manager and Executive Director to sustain and expand a robust pipeline of donors, including corporate sponsors, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals, and grant-making institutions.
• Play an active role in conceptualizing and co-leading fundraising campaigns, major donor strategies, cultivation events, and proposal development.
• Lead stewardship efforts with a focus on donor retention, impact communication, and relationship management.
• Prepare to assume full leadership of fundraising and resource mobilization activities as part of the transition to Executive Director.
• Financial & Operational Management (10%)
• Assist in the development and monitoring of annual budgets, financial reports, and operational forecasts in collaboration with the Finance Manager and Admin team.
• Ensure financial stewardship, internal controls, and compliance with donor requirements, internal policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Support the strategic management of logistical and operational systems, including warehouse, inventory, medical supplies, and procurement processes.
• Monitor the renewal and compliance of legal accreditations and certifications (e.g., PCNC, importation permits, hospital MOUs).
• People Leadership & Organizational Culture (5%)
• Support internal leadership development, staff engagement, and professional development opportunities across the OSP team.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, compassion, and performance in line with the values of Operation Smile.
• Participate in recruitment, performance evaluation, and succession planning processes.
• Foster inclusive communication and ensure team alignment during times of change or growth.
  
  

Requirements

• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including 3+ years in a management role with accountability for strategy, teams, and budgets.
• Proven track record in nonprofit, healthcare, humanitarian, or development sectors, preferably in roles involving public-private partnerships or community health.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational planning, and change management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, medical professionals, government partners, and grassroots organizations.
• Experience in fundraising, business development, or donor stewardship strongly preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Tagalog; additional Filipino dialects a plus.
• Deep commitment to Operation Smile’s mission and a genuine passion for improving the lives of Filipino children through safe surgical care.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Philippines and abroad as needed.
  
  

Timeline & Evaluation

• Transition Plan: The Deputy Director is expected to formally assume the role of Executive Director within six to eight (6-8) months of hire.
• Performance Reviews: Formal evaluations will be conducted at 3 months and 6 months, focusing on:
• Strategic leadership readiness
• Relationship-building and stakeholder rapport
• Fundraising and programmatic engagement
• Overall preparedness to assume the Executive Director role