Director External Relations

About Maternity Foundation

Together we work from a shared vision that it should not cost life to give life!

• Business Development - BD (Head 2)

• Communications (Head 1)

• Insights Research & Learning - IRL (Head 3)

The profile we are looking for:

A strategic and proactive connector with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Practical and execution-focused with a talent for seeing the big picture and aligning cross-functional efforts. Skilled at orchestrating complex work and ensuring ideas and initiatives come together seamlessly. You are motivated by purpose and eager to contribute to a meaningful cause.

• Provide close counsel and strategic sparring to the CEO on advocacy positioning and organisational direction.

• Develop speeches key talking points and policy statements that anticipate emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities.

• Identify and connect strategic insights across global health maternal and neonatal health philanthropy and tech4good.

• Lead the development of Maternity Foundations thought leadership as part of our new strategy.

• Lead and support the External Relations division ensuring alignment across BD Comms and IRL

• Foster collaboration and strategic coherence across the three teams as well as with the wider organisation.

• Ensure in close collaboration with the Safe Delivery Programme that Advocacy is deeply aligned with lessons learnt our data and results from the Safe Delivery Programme and represents the needs and realities on the ground for midwives and other healthcare professionals.

Qualifications and experience required:

• A relevant background within International Relations Political Science Public Administration Communications Journalism or related.

• At least 10 years senior-level experience from a similar role within international relations advocacy strategic communications or diplomacy.

• Demonstrable experience in writing and editing including speechwriting and published work.

• Strong conceptual and strategic capabilities with transferable skills to quickly understand and move freely from in depth maternal health analysis to connecting global trends in the intersection of global health tech4good philanthropy and business development.

• Experience in global health or development is advantageous though a strong strategic mindset and advocacy toolbox is paramount.

• Fluency in English is essential; Danish is an asset.

• A Danish work permit.

Attributes and Core Competencies we are looking for:

• Proactive and self-driven You take initiative and can manage work independently while knowing when to ask for input.

• Exceptional communicator Able to make complex topics clear and accessible ensuring alignment across teams and external partners.

• Collaborative and culturally aware You work well with colleagues across departments and cultures and contribute to a positive team spirit in a multilingual international setting.

Terms and conditions:

The position is a permanent full or part-time employment based in Copenhagen Denmark. The way of working is a hybrid model with the possibility to work from home twice a week. Salary will be negotiated based on qualifications and Maternity Foundations salary scales. The deadline for applying is January 11th 2026 and we will get back to you after the deadline. Interviews are scheduled for the last two weeks of January 2026. Starting date anticipated from March 2026 or upon agreement.

We value equal opportunity and encourage candidates regardless of race religion national origin sex disability or age to apply.

About Maternity Foundations workplace

We are a team of roughly 40 colleagues working across our three global hubs in Ethiopia Denmark and India. We come from various backgrounds global health midwifery anthropology IT and business and take pride in an entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do attitude. Together we are an ambitious and purpose-driven team working in a welcoming and informal atmosphere shaped by or values that we trust you share:

We thrive on purpose. Making a real impact motivates you and you want your work to contribute to safer childbirths and better healthcare globally.

We bring respect and inclusion. You value diversity treat everyone fairly and help create a workplace where trust and appreciation are the norm.

We think big and act smart. Innovation excites youyoure bold agile and committed to finding sustainable solutions that make a difference.

We collaborate naturally. You enjoy working with others building strong partnerships and believe that together we achieve more.