Chief Executive Officer

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Chief Executive Officer. Terms and conditions vacancy

An exciting opportunity for an experienced CEO or Senior Leader to drive change in research, education and advocacy

The Stillbirth Foundation of Australia

The Stillbirth Foundation Australia is a not for profit Foundation responsible for the research and prevention of stillbirth. Established in 2002, it remains Australia’s first organization dedicated to stillbirth and baby loss in Australia. The Foundation is funded through the community and largely from parents who have suffered a stillbirth. Since 2005, the Foundation has allocated over $1million to funding studies aimed at finding a means of preventing stillbirth and supporting the families of Stillbirth babies. From a fledgling not-for-profit, it now has a national presence. Having operated for over 16 years, the Foundation has evolved to encompass three aspects: education, advocacy and research.

The Opportunity

In Australia, it is estimated that six stillborn babies are born every day. The loss for those families impacted is traumatic. Considerable research is needed to uncover why and ways in which it can be prevented to reduce further loss. Having established a well-respected national presence within Australia, the Board is looking for the Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation on the next stage of its development.

This will involve driving change in awareness, education and research. The CEO will present a point of view on the research findings and their implications within public, research and medical practitioner forums. They will develop industry partnerships and as an advocate will raise greater community and government support.

Responsibilities and accountabilities

The primary responsibilities of the position are to:

50% weighting – Leadership in Research, Education and Advocacy

• Strategy – Work with the Board in setting the strategic goals and objectives of the organisation and provide advice to the Board on the development of future strategic priorities in accordance with the established vision and mission.
• Profile – Serve as a spokesperson for the Stillbirth Foundation Australia and act as an advocate within the public and private sector to raise awareness, educate and drive change for issues relevant to the Foundation, its goals and constituencies; foster relationships with relevant legislators, regulatory agencies, research forums, medical practitioner educational forums as well as volunteers and representatives of the not for profit sector to promote legislative and regulatory policies that encourage a healthy community and address the issues of the Foundation's constituencies 
• Government Relations – Develop and foster relationships with relevant State and Federal representatives to retain and attract support. In particular take an active role in the Senate inquiry to maximise the opportunities it presents.
• Private Donor Relations – Develop a consistent and constant donor base of private donors from both parents of stillborn children and their associated friends and relatives, as well as broader community support from those who have not suffered including philanthropic trusts & bequests.
• Corporate Relations - Develop and nurture relationships with corporates to retain and attract an extensive range of corporate support.

50% weighting – Management

• Research Provider Management – Manage and develop existing relationships with providers such as Centre for Research Excellence in association with the University of Queensland to ensure research is conducted in a timely manner to identify a cure for or prevention of stillbirth
• Financial Stewardship – evolve the Foundation’s financial model to ensure its sustainability and scalability. This involves creating an annual operating and capital budget for Board approval and prudently managing the organisation’s resources within those budget guidelines and in accordance with existing laws, regulations and statutory requirements.
• Human Resource Management – Effectively manage the human resource needs of the organisation, ensuring that appropriately skilled staff, suppliers and volunteers are in place to serve the needs of the Foundation
• Risk & Governance Management – Embed effective risk minimization strategies and ensure Board and staff awareness of, and compliance with, corporate responsibilities. In the role of Company Secretary, ensure the filing of all legal and regulatory documents and monitor compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Infrastructure Management - Ensure that organisational infrastructure, including IT facilities and the internet site, are fit for purpose within budgetary constraints.

Attributes

In order to undertake the role successfully, the CEO will possess the following attributes:

• Excellent relationship building skills across Government (both State and Federal), medical research, the philanthropic community and corporates
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven experience in building and maintaining constructive relationships with key influential groups and individuals.
• Degree qualified with a strength in strategic thinking coupled with a hands-on approach to management
• Excellent communication skills with proven experience and confidence in presenting to both large and small groups of stakeholders
• Comfortable with media including participating in TV and radio interviews
• Strong financial management skills
• Track record in Senior Leadership in Research, Education and Advocacy
• Experience in working with a Board in an association context, and the distinct roles of Board members and management.
• A preference or comfort with working in a small team environment
• Compassion for those that have lost their children to stillbirth and a passion for finding a cure or prevention.
• Knowledge of the medical research sector (would be preferable)