Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) is recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to grow and develop the organisation.
Since the establishment of CHI in 1970, its staff, supporters and volunteers have played a major role in initiating and furthering changes in how children are cared for in Irish hospitals. Having enjoyed dynamic growth over four decades, the organisation is building towards a new phase of development. To further this, the Board seeks to engage an experienced, skilled and motivated individual to lead CHI to the next level. In pursuing this goal, the CEO will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organisation, in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board.
The CEO will be accountable to the Board of Directors of CHI and will report to the Chairperson. He or she will have overall responsibility for implementing the strategic direction and activities of the organisation and will provide leadership and overall management for its activities and programmes. This will include representing the organisation to funders, donors, volunteers and members, policy stakeholders, statutory and regulatory bodies, the HSE, hospitals and community health services, and the public.
Background
CHI is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The organisation has its Head Office in Dublin 18 and operates throughout the country. CHI delivers a volunteer-run hospital play and recreation service in hospitals nationwide; advocates to promote the highest standards in the delivery of healthcare for children; provides information and help for parents of hospitalised children; and works collaboratively with support groups for children who are ill or have long-term medical conditions.
Role Description
Key objectives
- Manage the annual budget, financial affairs and staff
- Promote the organisation and ensure accountability; set priorities and protect the organisation’s reputation
- Develop the organisation’s marketing and communication strategy
- Grow the organisation in line with its mission and values
- Develop and guide the execution of CHI’s strategic plan
- Work towards sustainable funding for the organisation
- Be the primary spokesperson for CHI and grow its reputation as an advocate for improved healthcare for children
- Develop new strategic partnerships to enable the realisation of its objectives
Leadership, governance and compliance
- Take responsibility for the implementation of CHI’s vision and strategic plan
- Support the Board and Chair of CHI by: attending meetings of the Board and reporting to it; providing
- guidance and advice on significant issues; producing appropriate documentation
- Provide direction and teamwork support to subcommittees of the Board
- Ensure compliance with the regulatory environment and legislation governing the organisation
- Draft policies for Board approval, review these annually and implement appropriate procedures
- Act as spokesperson for the organisation
- Spearhead profile-raising activities, including developing and implementing a strong marketing plan for the organisation
- Take responsibility for identifying and securing significant additional sources of funding to support the work, development and sustainability of the organisation
Operational planning and management
- Develop and execute a dynamic operational plan to deliver the goals and objectives of the strategic plan and ensure the operations of the organisation are efficient, effective and appropriate
- Develop and implement the marketing and communications strategy
- Monitor day-to-day delivery of programmes and services and maintain or improve quality
Human resources
- Establish a healthy, safe and vibrant work environment which is compliant with relevant legislation and regulations
- Determine staffing requirements and secure appropriate funding to build staff capacity
- Implement performance management processes for all staff and mentor staff as appropriate
- Observe all relevant employment law requirements
Financial planning and management
- Prepare, manage and monitor a comprehensive annual budget for CHI
- Report regularly to the Board on the management of the budget
- Prepare funding applications and report to funders on the management of funds received from them
- Research, develop and lead an integrated funding and fundraising programme to underpin the sustainability of services provided by the organisation
- Participate in and head up fundraising activities and events, as appropriate
- Manage accounting support and ensure delivery of appropriate financial reports for the Board
- Ensure the organisation complies with current company law and charities regulations
External relations and advocacy
- Liaise and effectively coordinate with key allies and external stakeholders
- Promote and advocate the rights of children and their families to the best possible standards in healthcare provision and support services
- Establish and ensure strong links with relevant stakeholders (CHI volunteers, members, funders and donors, hospitals, relevant HSE directorates, Minister and Department of Health, chronic illness and condition support groups, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, the Children’s Hospitals Group)
- Deliver private and public presentations regarding the work of CHI and the importance of its role in supporting healthcare delivery for children in Irish hospitals
- Ensure that CHI’s national volunteer recruitment and training schedule meets demand; and act as the organisation’s ‘liaison person’ for the process of applying for Garda vetting of staff and volunteers
- Facilitate and undertake media interviews to promote the organisation, illustrate the role it fulfils, and comment on policy in respect of healthcare provision for children in line with the overall objectives and policy positions of the organisation
Requirements
Professional requirements
- A relevant third level or professional qualification
- A proven ability to develop a vision and strategy and to execute and deliver that strategy
- Extensive administrative skills and experience in budgeting and management accounting
- Proven skills in leadership, HR, planning and decision-making
- Proven track record in fundraising and marketing management
- Computer literacy
- Significant, demonstrable achievements at management level in the voluntary, community or another relevant sector
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the role of the not-for-profit sector in Ireland and of key governance challenges
- Experience of volunteering or working with volunteers
- A successful track record in building and nurturing key relationships and partnerships with a wide range of collaborators within government and not-for-profit sectors at national and local level
- A clean driver licence and use of a car
Personal attributes
- Adaptability
- Creativity and resourcefulness
- Commitment to highest ethical standards
- Ability to build and maintain relationships
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to think strategically
- Ability to plan and organise, to make decisions and to solve problems
Conditions
The position advertised will be for three years, with a six-month probationary period. The current salary, due to funding constraints, is €50,000 to €53,000 per annum. The contract is based on a standard working week of 35 hours with some flexibility for events after hours. Annual leave is 25 days. This job is based in the head office of CHI (4-5 Burton Hall Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18) and involves a small amount of travel outside Dublin.
Application
If you wish to be considered for appointment to this position, please indicate your interest by sending a letter of application (no more than two pages), together with a copy of your CV, to orla@childreninhospital.ie. Please put ‘CEO Application’ in the subject heading.
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date for applications: 5 p.m., Thursday 27 April 2017
First round interviews: Monday, 8 May 2017
Preferred commencement date: July 2017
Further information
If you wish to have an informal conversation regarding this post, please contact Orla Kennedy, outgoing Chief Executive, at (01) 2903510.