The role
Purpose and role of the CEO
The Chief Executive Officer provides visionary, inclusive, and transparent leadership that advances the Federation’s purpose, mission, and long-term strategic objectives, as determined by the Council.
The CEO is accountable for the effective delivery of the Federation’s strategic and operational priorities and has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance, and future direction of the Federation.
Working closely with the Council, Committees, Secretariat, members, and external stakeholders, the CEO ensures that the Federation operates efficiently, sustainably, and in accordance with its governing documents, policies, and values.
The CEO leads and develops a high-performing Secretariat team that supports the work of the Council and Committees and delivers high-quality services to members. While the CEO may not be directly involved in every operational detail, they must maintain a strong understanding of how the Federation’s committees, services, projects, and processes impact members, reputation, income, expenditure, and strategic outcomes.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key skills and experience:
- A strong understanding of nonprofit/not-for-profit governance, leadership, and operational practices, together with a genuine commitment to the Federation’s mission and purpose.
- Proven senior leadership experience within a nonprofit, membership, trade association, or similarly governed organisation.
- Experience working effectively with Boards, Councils, or Committees to develop and implement strategic and operational plans.
- Strong commercial awareness, including experience in finance, business development, marketing, communications, and event management.
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with practical operational leadership.
- Strong leadership, people management, and team development capabilities.
- The ability to inspire innovation and lead organisational growth, change, and continuous improvement.
- Experience in recruiting, developing, motivating, and retaining high-performing teams.
- Strong organisational, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative, diplomatic, and solutions-oriented leadership style.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, self-motivation, and resilience.
- Familiarity with a broad range of business functions, including strategic development, governance, public relations, member engagement, and people management.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure the Federation delivers its mission, objectives, and long-term strategic priorities.
- Present strategic recommendations and operational plans to the Council for consideration and approval.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Federation and ensure its effective and sustainable long-term performance.
- Lead, motivate, and support the Secretariat team in delivering high-quality services and value to members.
- Foster a professional, collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented organisational culture.
- Apply innovative thinking, data analysis, and performance measurement to support informed strategic decision-making.
- Establish operational goals, objectives, and plans in collaboration with the Council, Committees, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure that the Federation continually develops its international capability, effectiveness, influence, and member value.
- Maintain effective, transparent, and constructive relationships with the Council, Committees, and wider membership.
- Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the Federation’s Rules and Regulations, Articles of Association, and governance framework, ensuring compliance across the organisation.
- Support the effective operation of the Council and Committees through timely, accurate, and relevant reporting and advice.
- Organise and attend Council meetings and provide regular updates on operational activities, staffing, projects, risks, and organisational performance.
- Implement Council-approved policies, decisions, and strategic priorities.
- Work openly and collaboratively with Council members and Committee Chairs to build consensus and maintain strong governance practices.
- Ensure that organisational risks, issues, and opportunities are communicated appropriately and proactively.
- Lead the ongoing development and enhancement of the Federation’s products, services, standards, and member offerings in collaboration with Committees, Council, and the Secretariat.
- Build and strengthen relationships with members, kindred associations, industry stakeholders, and strategic partners globally.
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, collaboration, and increased member engagement and recognition.
- Ensure the Federation’s long-term sustainability through sound operational and strategic planning.
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure the Federation delivers its mission, objectives, and long-term strategic priorities.
- Present strategic recommendations and operational plans to the Council for consideration and approval.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Federation and ensure its effective and sustainable long-term performance.
- Lead, motivate, and support the Secretariat team in delivering high-quality services and value to members.
- Foster a professional, collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented organisational culture.
- Apply innovative thinking, data analysis, and performance measurement to support informed strategic decision-making.
- Establish operational goals, objectives, and plans in collaboration with the Council, Committees, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure that the Federation continually develops its international capability, effectiveness, influence, and member value.
- Act as the principal representative and spokesperson for the Federation at industry events, conferences, meetings, and external engagements.
- Possess an understanding of and empathy with multicultural stakeholders.
- Promote and protect the Federation’s reputation, profile, and influence globally.
- Build strong relationships with members, partners, regulators, industry bodies, and other stakeholders.
- Lead and oversee the Federation’s marketing, communications, and public relations activities.
- Advocate for the Federation’s mission, services, and membership in a consistently professional and positive manner.
