Job Title:Interim General Manager/Director of Operations

Reports to:Chair of the Board of Trustees

Working Hours:Negotiable, part-time arrangement is possible

Working Location:Central London

Resources Managed:10 staff members

Background:

The Science Council is a membership organisation of over 40 professional bodies and learned societies from across the full range of science-based disciplines.It was established in 2003 to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge of and education in science, pure and applied, and registered as a charity in 2009.

The Science Council provides a quality assurance system for those working in science. We set standards for professional registration for practising scientists and science technicians. We were granted a Royal Charter in 2004 and license member organisations to award the following designations: Chartered Scientist, Chartered Science Teacher, Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician.

Following the resignation of our CEO in February, the Board is seeking to appoint an interim General Managerto work with staff and trustees to support members and develop a new strategy.

Job Purpose:

The General Manager is responsible for managing and administering the Science Council. They will manage the staff team and work with the Board of Trustees, and members, to ensure that the charity is able to continue operations during this transitional period.

Main Responsibilities and Tasks:

The General Manager will:

  • Be responsible for the overall management and administration of the Science Council
  • Support the Board’s development of a 3-year strategic plan, to be agreed by the Board in October 2018
  • Lead the development and implementation of the business plan, including reviewing progress and setting appropriate targets
  • Be responsible for the financial management of the organisation
  • Ensure that the organisation is governed effectively and meets its compliance andreporting responsibilities, including GDPR compliance
  • Ensure appropriate due diligence is in place for Health and Safety and risk assessment
  • As Registrar, hold responsibility for the maintenance of quality and standards for the Science Council’s professional registers: Chartered Scientist, Chartered Science Teacher, Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician
  • Develop and maintain good links with member bodies and potential member bodies

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Knowledge and experience of governance procedures and behaviours, and experience of supporting and guiding decision-making at Board level
  • Proven experience of charity management and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including risk management
  • Proven experience of financial management, budget setting and audit processes
  • A track record in effective team leadership and performance management
  • Knowledge and experience of the science community and of membership and/or trade bodies

Skills and Personal Qualities:

  • Diplomatic and tactful with the ability to bring cohesion and foster collective action,
    partnerships, agreement and collaboration across the membership
  • A personal commitment to an inclusive approach that values diversity and builds trust
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

May 2018