EPIC Chief Executive Officer Vacancy

JOB DESCRIPTION           

What We Do

EPIC Empowering People In Care (EPIC) aims to advance the interests and welfare of children and young people in the care system by advocating on their behalf, providing information and advice, providing opportunities for participation and influencing through regional and national councils and developing policies on and conducting research into issues affecting children and young people in the care system.

For the past twenty one years, the focus of our work is to improve the lived experience of children and young people in the care system and positively contribute to the development of care services locally, nationally and internationally for the benefit of children and young people, their families and the professionals who work with them.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a highly motivated efficient and strategic leader who can lead EPIC into the next phase of our development and growth. The role requires strategic thinking as well as an ability to drive the operational performance of EPIC. Working with a small team and stakeholders, the role requires a flexible and ‘can do’ attitude.

You will have experience in leading small and agile organisations, an understanding of the children and young people in care and aftercare, with a strong track record of diversifying income streams. You will be able to demonstrate excellent understanding of the power of advocacy, communication and campaigns focused on a changed care system that better meets the needs of all children and young people in care. You will be comfortable in bringing the message of EPIC’s work to a wider audience.

Strategic Planning

• Lead the development of the strategy to ensure effective delivery of the mission and vision of EPIC.
• Develop and implement an annual plan which enables the delivery of the strategic objectives.
• Ensure that rigorous and effective processes are in place to meet and monitor strategic objectives and provide regular reports to Board on the progress of strategic plans.

Funding & Sustainability

• Identify and secure new streams of non- statutory funding to support the delivery of the strategic plan and maximise income. This will involve researching and establishing for the first time a general donations function, as well as approaching trusts, foundations and institutional donors.
• Maintain and develop statutory streams of funding through maintaining effective relationships with core stakeholders.

Communication, Influence and Partnerships

• Grow the organisation’s profile so that EPIC becomes the ‘go to’ organisation for the views of children and young people in care.
• Ensure knowledge of EPIC and its services are constantly communicated to Children and young people in care and aftercare so that there is no child in care who doesn’t know about EPIC and what we do.
• Promote and develop the innate ability of children and young people in care and aftercare to be the authors and voices of a care system that best meets their needs.
• Promote EPIC and its work with key stakeholders, developing and maintaining effective networks to ensure the furtherance of its aims.

Engage and Involve Young People

• Create, develop and maintain forums within EPIC which promote and effectively engage children and young people.
• In conjunction with ‘TUSLA’, ensure the effective facilitation and participation of children and young people in the development and delivery of services to them.

 Governance, Finance & Operational Management

• Together with the Chairperson and Directors of EPIC, ensure effective governance, risk management and reporting procedures are in place, developed and adhered to.
• Ensure the effective and efficient management of all areas of the organisation on a day to day basis.
• Provide outstanding leadership and people management to EPIC’s staff, consultants and volunteers.
• Manage and negotiate budgetary needs with core funders and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, quarterly management accounts, liaise with auditors and adhere to accounting practice and standards.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Experience in a senior role working within the field of child rights, with proven record of delivering results.
• A sense of teamwork and collaboration, with a willingness to get stuck in and a positive and proactive approach to tasks.
• Track record in fundraising identifying, cultivating and soliciting prospective donors and key leaders of prospective new corporate partners; and to promote a culture of fundraising in the organisation, both at the staff and board level.
• A strong communicator who is comfortable in proactively promoting EPIC’s vision, both internally and externally.
• Analytical skills with proven experience of vision setting, strategy development, and managing strategic partnerships.
• Ability to build and harness partnerships with influential stakeholders and establishing and maintaining strong networks.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with strong attention to detail.

IN RETURN, WE OFFER:

• A fantastic opportunity to make an impact in the lives of children and young people in care and the system that serves them.
• Working with a mission-driven organisation that is in a period of growth and development.
• Competitive salary and flexible working.
• The post is a permanent full-time position with a six month probationary period.

Closing Date:  24th March 2020   12 noon

Salary:  TBC

Please apply using the link below: