CEO Recruitment Package

MESSAGE FROM ROBIN COHEN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. As Chair of the Board, I am excited to share this opportunity with global leaders who are passionate about driving transformational and equitable progress for everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer.

We are proud of everything the Coalition has achieved to date and ambitious for our future. We recognize that strong leadership is key to our continued success. As we look to the future, we seek a dynamic and visionary CEO who can drive innovation, foster meaningful relationships, and ensure long-term sustainability.

This role presents an incredible opportunity to work with a committed Board of Directors, a talented staff team and a global network of dedicated partner organizations that share our vision. We are looking for someone who can build on our strong foundation while bringing fresh perspectives and strategic insights to shape our future.

If you believe you have the skills, experience, and passion to lead the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition into its next phase, I warmly invite you to apply. I look forward to hearing from you and exploring with you how your leadership could contribute to our future.

Kind regards,

Robin Cohen
Chair, World Ovarian Cancer Coalition

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CANDIDATE BRIEF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

INTRODUCTION

Formally established in 2016, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is the only global not-for-profit focused on ovarian cancer. Working with close to two hundred patient advocacy organizations around the world, the Coalition’s Vision is a world where everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.

The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition builds on the significant impact of the annual flagship ovarian cancer awareness campaign – World Ovarian Cancer Day, our ground-breaking Every Woman Study™ and the Global Ovarian Cancer Charter.

More recently, our Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition details the lived experiences of women living with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 22 countries. Our Socioeconomic burden of ovarian cancer Study (SEB), published in the journal of Global Oncology (JGO) examines 11 high- to low-income countries, quantifying the societal cost of ovarian cancer as well as the cost to healthcare systems, national economies and caregivers. Both Studies have been extremely well received in the cancer and public health communities, including the World Health Organization (WHO). This work has also shaped our 2023-28 strategic plan.

The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is supported by an international Board of Directors, three global Ambassadors and a team of seven staff (4 FTE). We are a founding member of the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN).

We are now looking to appoint an experienced, inspiring, and impactful new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Coalition through its next stage of transformative growth, maximising our impact as a dynamic and ambitious global cancer not-for-profit. Building on the excellent record of achievement of the outgoing CEO, the new CEO will secure a strong voice for the Coalition on the global stage and accelerate progress towards our Vision of a world where everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival
and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.

We are seeking an exceptional individual who can provide strategic and operational leadership to the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, with excellent communication skills, a forward-looking, agile, inclusive, and collaborative approach, sound business acumen and a strong record in building impactful relationships with high-level global and national stakeholders. A key objective of this role will be to consolidate and diversify our relationships with a number of corporate sponsors as you drive and lead a global fundraising strategy for the Coalition to deliver year-on-year growth in income and ensure that our revenues match the scale of our ambition to transform outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.

View / Download the Candidate Brief as a PDF

ROLE DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:
Chief Executive Officer [CEO]

ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Board of Directors

REPORTS TO:
Chair of the Board of Directors

DIRECT REPORTS:
Director of Programmes
Director of Communications and Marketing
Senior Project Manager
Business Manager
Bookkeeper

KEY EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Global health and development, cancer and gynaecological cancer organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the International Gynaecologic Cancer Society (IGCS)
Global Cancer Coalitions Network
World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Global Expert Group
Major supporters and funding partners
Partner patient advocacy organizations
Other global cancer charities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategy and operations

- Provide leadership for the organization and Board for development of Strategic plans and objectives including annual key performance indicators
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Coalition based on Board-approved policies and procedures
- Develop annual operational plans for approval by the Board and be responsible for implementation of those plans
- Recruit and manage staff members in accordance with Coalition policies and practices and relevant regulatory requirements
- Provide leadership and support to staff through the development of staff objectives and regular feedback and monitoring of performance including annual appraisal, and learning and development plans
- Ensure a positive, healthy, and safe working environment that embraces diversity and inclusion

2. Advocacy and influencing

Building on our strong position with the World Health Organization and other key partners active on the global health and development stage:

- Be a powerful ambassador, able to increase the visibility of the Coalition and our cause as a global public health concern
- Develop and lead a strategy to establish, promote and maintain relationships with selected politicians, policy makers, external agencies, cancer professionals and advocacy groups, think tanks and other civil society sector partners to influence the health and research agenda in line with our mission
- Translate high-level agreements with global partners into tangible resources for ovarian cancer advocates and national program implementers by working collaboratively with UN partners, clinical experts, people with lived experience and advocates

3. Fundraising

- Manage and develop relationships with key sponsors and other current or potential Coalition high value donors, securing a strong and sustainable revenue base to underpin the achievement of the Coalition’s bold Vision and mission
- Develop a fundraising strategy to support implementation of the Coalition’s long-term strategy and personally generate significant levels of income in line with our financial requirements
- Recruit and manage fundraising staff and/or consultants

4. Governance

Working closely with, and reporting to, the Chair of the Board of Directors:

- Ensure that the Chair of the Board is apprised of all relevant material developments
- Ensure that the Board receives clear, timely and accurate information and reports relating to the activities of the Coalition so that Directors can discharge their responsibilities effectively
- Ensure that the Board receives appropriate information and direction on important operational and strategic developments
- Provide input to the agenda for the Board of Directors’ meetings and ensure that Board papers are disseminated in a timely fashion
- Develop metrics for approval by the Board that allow the Board to monitor the performance of the Coalition
- Ensure that the Coalition has the resources and management structure required to achieve its operational and strategic plans
- Provide executive leadership for the Coalition that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors
- Support the effective operation of Committees and Working Groups established by the Board to lead on specific areas of work, for example, the Nominations Committee

5. Finance and risk management

- Develop an annual budget with projected income and expenditure and related key performance indicators, for approval by the Board
- Develop long-term financial forecasts based on the Coalition’s Strategic Plan Provide appropriate and timely financial reports to the Board for review
- Approve and manage expenditure within the framework set out in the Policy of Delegated Authority
- Ensure that appropriate bookkeeping and financial management processes are in place and followed
- Identify and advise the Board on potential risks to the Coalition and recommend actions for mitigation of those risks
- Ensure that the Coalition meets all its legal, statutory and regulatory requirements, including undertaking and reporting on financial reviews, audits, and annual returns

6. Communications

Working closely with, and reporting to, the Chair of the Board of Directors:

- To act as a spokesperson for the Coalition at external events and media channels
- Ensure that the Coalition effectively and responsively communicates with partner organizations
- Promote positive messages and stories to attract new partner organizations and collaborators
- Promote positive and open communications about the work of the Coalition with the broader ovarian cancer community, including patient advocates, professional bodies, clinicians and sponsors.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates should have a proven track record of strategic leadership and impact, an appetite and ambition for growth, and be able to inspire the trust and confidence of the Board of Directors, the senior leadership team, and high-level external stakeholders including global and national policymakers and high value funders.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Outstanding track record of successful strategic leadership at CEO or Deputy CEO level, ideally gained in the not-for-profit or health sector
Proven track record of personally generating significant levels of income using a range of fundraising tools and techniques, and driving and supporting fundraising growth, developing networks, and building a sustainable portfolio of a range of high value funding partners
A good understanding of the requirements of best practice not-for-profit governance and a demonstrable ability to work closely, effectively and impactfully with the Board of Directors
Successful track record of influencing and developing relationships with high level policymakers, global health and development agencies and other stakeholders in a global and national context
Experience working with representatives from countries with varying Human Development Index (HDI) measures, cultures and values and engagement with global health and development partners
Strong track record as a leader of people, building and nurturing a positive culture to ensure a high impact team and an inclusive organization
Proven track record of business management and a good understanding of strategic financial management
Deep understanding of not-for-profit programmes delivery
Experience of working in the women’s health sector and/or cancer sector.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS

Strong personal credibility, gravitas, and integrity with a proven track record in building effective and impactful high-level relationships with global and national stakeholders
Commitment to the Vision, mission and values of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and readiness to share our passion for improving the lives of those at risk of or living with ovarian cancer
Demonstrate a strong understanding and genuine empathy for individuals living with ovarian cancer, recognizing the value of their lived experience
Commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion
Ability to think strategically, to identify new opportunities to accelerate progress for those living with ovarian cancer, and a strong track record of strategy delivery
An agile, and can-do problem-solving approach with experience/comfort working in a small team setting
A collaborative, visible and supportive leadership style with the ability to inspire and motivate others to deliver positive change for women with ovarian cancer
An outstanding champion, advocate and media spokesperson with excellent communication and influencing skills
Attuned to emerging digital and other innovative approaches to accelerate progress against the mission and to develop organizational effectiveness

View / Download the Role Description as a PDF

HOW TO APPLY

We hope you will consider making an application to become the next Chief Executive Officer of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. To make an application, please email the following to CEOrecruitment@worldovariancancercoalition.org. May 19th is the deadline to apply.

Your CV (no more than three sides)
A supporting statement (no more than two sides) setting out why you are applying for the role and how you meet the criteria in the person specification
Two supporting references or the names and contacts of two referees

If you would like to speak with someone about this role please email CEOrecruitment@worldovariancancercoalition.org

View / Download How To Apply as a PDF

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

SALARY: $120-140K (CAN), FTE, pro-rated to 80% FTE for four days a week

LOCATION: Home-based but regular foreign travel dependent on conference attendance, meetings with partners and sponsors as well as occasional in-person board meetings

HOURS: Part-time, four days per week (80% FTE), permanent contract

ANNUAL LEAVE: 20 days annual leave entitlement (based on 80% FTE), plus statutory public holidays in the candidate’s country of residence

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: Employees of the Coalition are eligible to join our employer sponsored health insurance plan.

View / Download Terms of Appointment as a PDF