Deputy Director

The Opportunity:

Deputy Director

Fistula Foundation combines the dynamism of a lean startup with the stability of a mature organization. We are demonstrating to the world that a new approach to women’s health can change the trajectory of women’s lives and have a profound impact on local communities.

An estimated one million women in Africa and Asia suffer from obstetric fistula, a debilitating childbirth injury that leaves a woman incontinent and, as a result, too often abandoned by her family and shunned by her community. Surgery is the only cure, which we deliver through partners in 31 countries across Africa and Asia. Since 2009, we have provided more than 100,000 free, life-transforming surgeries to women in need.

Each year since 2006, we’ve received the highest rating from every nonprofit sector watchdog group. Charity Watch gives us an “A” grade and lists us as a Top-Rated Charity, and Guide Star has awarded us Platinum Participant status—the highest designation available to charities. We have also earned the recognition of leaders such as Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof , Grammy winner Paul Simon, and internationally renowned ethicist Peter Singer.

As the world’s largest private funder of fistula repair, Fistula Foundation stands alone in ensuring life‑changing care to women suffering from one of the most devastating yet treatable injuries in maternal health. Today we provide more of these surgeries to more women than any other organization, including the U.S. government and United Nations.

The engine of our growth is our ability to raise funds. We are a dogged fundraising organization with exceptional marketing acumen and an unrelenting drive to advocate on behalf of some of the world’s most marginalized women. We’ve grown from supporting 500 surgeries in 2009 to providing more than 16,000 in 2024. While our revenue has increased by a factor of 7, our surgery total has increased by a factor of more than 30.

Laser‑focused on one measurable outcome—the number of women we can help, we send 85% of our revenue to the field to support our core “business”—fistula surgeries.

We are seeking a dynamic deputy director to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the CEO. In this senior leadership role, you will use your deep expertise in consumer marketing and business strategy to strengthen our fundraising efforts and keep the Foundation running with business‑like efficiency. You will lead high‑impact special projects, support marketing, communications, and donor engagement, and work in partnership with the CEO on people and culture efforts.

This is a fast‑paced, cross‑functional, high‑impact role.

You will thrive in this role if you are excited by the idea of never being done, of constantly iterating to find new and better ways to reach more people and inspire their support; you aim high, work smart, and respond quickly to new challenges and opportunities; you take initiative and are self‑accountable; you have a proven track record managing teams to accomplish measurable results;

you can see the big picture of the organization and its long‑term impact while still focusing on details and driving execution; you are a collaborative team player, with strong EQ; and you embody a “what’s right, not who’s right” ethos.

• MBA highly desired or commensurate experience in marketing, consulting, or business strategy. Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7–10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably including private‑sector experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of professionals for growth, demonstrated by increasing levels of responsibility within one organization.
• Superior written and verbal skills, adept at crafting compelling narratives for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment without feeling overwhelmed, all while keeping perspective and a sense of humor.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive information and situations
• Demonstrated interest in social justice and women’s issues in professional or volunteer activities.