Children in Hospital Ireland is recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer to grow and develop our organisation. Since its establishment in 1970, Children in Hospital Ireland’s 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 now poised to embrace the next major phase of its development. To achieve this, the Board is seeking to engage an experienced, motivated and skilled individual to lead Children in Hospital Ireland to the next level. In pursuing this goal, the CEO will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organisation according to the strategic direction set by the Board.
The Chief Executive Officer will provide leadership, direction and guidance for the organisation’s 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 to the public.
The CEO will report to the Chairperson and be accountable to the Board of Directors of Children in Hospital Ireland. The CEO will have overall responsibility for implementing the strategic direction and activities of Children in Hospital Ireland.
Background
Children in Hospital Ireland is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The organisation has its Head Office in Dublin 7 and operates throughout the country. Children in Hospital Ireland delivers a national volunteer-run hospital play and recreation service, currently in eighteen hospitals; 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
Champion the mission and values of Children in Hospital Ireland
Protect and promote the organisation’s reputation and ensure accountability; set priorities; guide the execution of the strategic plan
Manage the annual budget and financial affairs of Children in Hospital Ireland and work towards sustainable funding for the organisation
Be the primary spokesperson for Children in Hospital Ireland and develop 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 development and implementation of Children in Hospital Ireland’s vision and strategic plan
Support the Board and Chair by attending, reporting, providing guidance and advice on significant issues and producing appropriate documentation for Board meetings
Provide direction and teamwork support to subcommittees of the Board
Ensure compliance with the regulatory environment and legislation governing the organisation
Review and 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 developing 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
Ensure the operations of the organisation are efficient, effective and appropriate and that they contribute to achievement of strategic goals
Monitor day-to-day delivery of programmes and services and maintain or improve quality
Human resources
Establish a healthy, safe, compliant and vibrant work environment in accordance with legislation and regulation
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, reporting to Board and funders
Research, develop and lead an integrated funding and fundraising programme to underpin the sustainability of services provided by the organisation
Participate 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 sick children and their families to the best possible standards of provision of health services and appropriate care
Establish and ensure strong links with relevant stakeholders (volunteers, members, funders and donors, hospitals and relevant HSE directorates, Minister and Department of Health, chronic illness and condition support groups, New Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Children’s Hospitals Group)
Deliver private and public presentations regarding the work of Children in Hospital Ireland and the importance of its role in supporting healthcare delivery for children in Irish hospitals
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
Requirements
Professional requirements
A relevant third level or professional qualification
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 and of key governance challenges
Experience of volunteering or working with volunteers
A proven ability to develop a vision and strategy and to execute and deliver that strategy
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
Extensive administrative skills and experience in budgeting/management accounting
Proven skills in leadership, HR, planning and decision-making
Computer literacy
Personal attributes
Adaptability
Creativity and innovation
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 €45,000 to €50,000 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 Dublin and involves a small amount of travel.
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 Jillian van Turnhout, Chair, Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Brunswick Street North, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7 by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 May 2015. Applications can also be sent by email to ceo@childreninhospitalireland.ie
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date for applications: 5 p.m., Tuesday, 19 May 2015
First round interviews: Friday, 5 June 2015, in central Dublin
Preferred commencement date: September 2015
Further information
If you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact Mary O’Connor, outgoing Chief Executive, who will be retiring in September 2015 at 086 846 68 61 or ceo@childreninhospitalireland.ie.