Chief Executive Officer

The SSMRF Board seeks to appoint a

commercially minded, network-driven Chief Executive Officer .The role requires a leader who can personally drive funding outcomes, build long-term partnerships, and position SSMRF as a credible, investable medical research organisation.

Reports to:

Chair & Board of Directors

Employment Type:

Full Time (part-time considered)

Renumeration : Negotiable

Position Overview: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF), with a strong emphasis on driving fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business development. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead the Foundation in achieving its mission to support cutting edge research that improves health outcomes.

The CEO will serve as the principal ambassador for the Foundation, cultivating relationships across the medical, philanthropic, corporate, and government sectors. The successful candidate will be an inspiring, values-driven leader with a proven ability to grow income, enhance visibility, and ensure excellence in governance and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and execution of the Foundation’s strategic and business plans.

Ensure alignment of programs and initiatives with the Foundation’s mission and research priorities.

Advise and support the Board in governance, risk management, and policy development.

Compliance with legal regulatory and Ethical standards

Ensure all objectives, targets and overall annual Budget is achieved

Fundraising and Business Development

Design and implement ambitious fundraising strategies, including major gifts, bequests, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships, grants, and events.

Develop and maintain strong donor and supporter relationships to ensure recurring and diversified revenue.

Identify and pursue new income streams, business partnerships, and funding opportunities.

Oversee effective donor engagement, stewardship, and impact reporting

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Act as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the Foundation, promoting its mission to external audiences.

Build trusted relationships with researchers, government agencies, universities, donors, and community leaders.

Represent the Foundation in relevant forums, networks, and public events.

Operational and Financial Management

Oversee operational planning, budgeting, financial performance, and resource allocation.

Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and ethical standards, including grant and contract obligations.

Build and lead a high-performing team and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Selection Criteria

Proven senior executive experience, ideally in the not-for-profit, medical research, health, or philanthropic sectors.

Demonstrated success in leading significant fundraising initiatives and building diversified revenue streams.

Strong business acumen and experience in income generation, partnership development, and financial oversight.

Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with credibility across sectors.

Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to deliver measurable impact.

Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.

Understanding of the medical research or health sector is highly desirable.

Tertiary qualifications in business, health, science, or related fields; postgraduate qualifications an advantage.

Networking and stakeholder Management skills

Experience managing high-impact fundraising events from concept to execution.

Financial literacy and experience managing budgets and operational plans

Understanding of Medical research funding and Health System Structures in Australia

Experience working with volunteers

Personal Attributes

Inspirational, collaborative, and visionary leadership style.

High integrity and commitment to the Foundation’s mission.

Adaptive and resilient in a fast-changing environment.

Politically astute and culturally sensitive.

Application Process To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages) addressing the key selection criteria to Janelle Kemp – SSMRF Deputy Chair.Email: jfkbuscon@gmail.com

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