SDVS is seeking to recruit an Interim CEO on a one-year contract to cover a period of maternity leave by the current CEO.
The CEO has overall responsibility for the implementation, management, and direction of the organisation’s mission, aims, strategy and objectives, and has oversight of all functions of the organisation, with a workforce of c. 60 professionals.
About the Company
Saoirse Domestic Violence Service (SDVS), provides services for women and children escaping domestic abuse. It receives its core operational funding from Tusla, The Child and Family Agency. SDVS’s vision is to build a society where domestic violence abuse is never tolerated or silenced, empowering women and children to live in safety, free from fear. Its multi-disciplined professional team are dedicated to providing not only safe refuge but a full range of empowerment focused services, supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
The Role
The Interim CEO will have overall responsibility, through the senior management team, for the range of services provided which include refuge services at Tallaght and Rathcoole, outreach and childcare services, and will have oversight of all support functions of the organisation. The team comprises c. 60 professionals and the management team.
Reporting to: Board of Directors through the Chairperson
Main Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementation of the agreed strategic objectives and meet an agreed annual work plan.
- Ensure good governance, compliance and best professional standards.
- Lead and manage the Senior Management Team in the delivery and development of SDVS services and support functions
- Respond to current and anticipated future needs of women and children.
- Role model of strong professional leadership and management.
- Be a strong professional representative for the work of SDVS
- Embody SDVS’s vision, values and principles, demonstrating integrity and fairness.
Areas of Responsibility
People Management and Leadership
- Ensure SDVS is resourced through the implementation of robust recruitment policies, procedures and practices.
- Delegate roles and responsibilities to the Senior Management Team and to ensure accountability.
- Lead and manage the Senior Management Team in the delivery and development of services in accordance with the vision, mission, and strategic direction of SDVS, across a wide and diverse team.
- Ensure up-to-date and recorded staff management systems and processes are in place.
- Ensure such systems are supportive, fair, effective, sustainable, and best practice.
- Adhere to legislative compliance requirements.
- Operate an organisation where proactive team development occurs.
- Have oversight and assessment of staff training and development and ensure training for delivery and measurement tools for evidence-based practices / outcomes.
- Have oversight of the management of HR policy and systems.
Service Delivery and Development
- Manage and oversee the ongoing delivery on the Organisation’s Strategic Plan
- Deliver and report on KPIs to the Board
- Overseeing management’s implementation of agreements and support initiatives that are in place for service users, including prioritising their safety in all planning and interventions and operate from an empowerment framework.
- Ensure effective consultation with service users and integrate their feedback into practice at all levels of service activity. Record and review on a regular basis.
- Oversee the development of resources and service delivery to ensure that it is in line with best practice, nationally and internationally.
- Establish/sustain positive working relationships with relevant agencies and voluntary bodies and develop interagency cooperation to address service users’ needs.
- Develop new services, identify gaps, in line with the organisations strategic plan and objectives in consultation with Senior management and Board input.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in Government policy and not-for-profit sector to support the organisation.
- Maintain an overview of the changing needs of all stakeholders and bring forward service development proposals.
- Set clear guidelines on the standards and management of written and electronic records for all SDVS staff and audit regularly.
- Work according to Children First Guidelines and SDVS Child Safeguarding Policy.
- Develop and manage a risk management framework across the organisation.
External Relations, Community Engagement & Public Relations
- Develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with all appropriate stakeholders and funders.
- Raising the organisation’s brand and profile and promoting SDVS as a leading expert in its field.
- Overseeing media and external communications or delegating as appropriate.
Governance
- Support the implementation and promotion of effective governance.
- Develop strong professional relationships with the Chairperson and the Board and keep Board members fully informed on relevant matters.
- Prepare timely reports for each Board meeting with content and in a format requested by the Board.
- Provide qualitative and quantitative reports on service provision, to management meetings, funders, and other relevant bodies, as required.
- Supporting and partnering with the Board on Governance matters and Charity Regulator compliance with the Governance Code.
- Ensure continued compliance with the Governance Code.
- Work with the various sub-committees of the Board.
Operations and Finance
- Securing funding to deliver agreed services and oversee the maintenance and implementation of annual budgets, transparent financial controls, systems, and reporting mechanisms in line with statutory and funding requirements.
- Develop and maintain key relationships with our funders.
- Oversee the monitoring and control of all budgets including forecasts to ensure the Organisation operates within finances available.
- Ensure implementation of all HR policies and procedures in line with current best practice and legislation, and that staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities
- Oversee the provision and maintenance of premises and facilities
- Oversee Health and Safety issues, ensuring all policies and procedures are in place and adhered to by staff and a safe environment is maintained for all service users, staff, volunteers, and visitors, with regular reviews and updates as required.
- Complete an annual organisation risk assessment to ensure systems and resources are in place to manage exposure and mitigate the risks.
Board Relations and Decision Making
- Responsible for all Operational Decisions in line with pre-approved policies and the Strategic Plan.
- If it is deemed that there is an identifiable risk to the organisation, the Interim CEO should bring such decisions to the Board.
- The Board has devised a policy on ‘Matters Reserved for the Board’, which the Interim CEO must adhere to.
The Requirements
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a relevant professional qualification to minimum degree level.
- Have a minimum 8-10 years’ senior management experience.
- Have demonstrated leadership experience and a track record of effective management to include people, financial, governance and risk and stakeholder management.
- Have performed in a Deputy CEO or CEO role of a similar sized organisation or as a Head of a function or service line within a large frontline service orientated organisation, and preferably within the charitable or not-for-profit sector.
- Be highly collaborative in nature, organised and capable of engendering a strong sense of purpose and commitment from colleagues to deliver to the highest standards while maintaining a cohesive team environment.
- Must have a demonstrable knowledge and genuine interest in the causes SDVS support and preferably have management experience in the sector or allied sectors.
Contract Duration
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 1 year.
Contract Start Date
The intended start date for the role is March 2023 so that a handover can be completed prior to the current CEO going on maternity leave.
Salary & Benefits
SDVS will offer a salary and benefits commensurate with the market. Salary is negotiable, DOE.
Working Hours
The role is 39 hours per week Mon-Fri.
An ability to work outside normal business hours may be required from time to time in the event of an emergency or other requirement.
Location
The role is based in the Saoirse offices in Tallaght, Dublin 24
Hybrid Working
Hybrid working is an option for this role with Board of Management agreement, depending on the needs of the organisation.
Confidential Enquiry
If you’d like to have a discussion in confidence, please contact Helena Broderick or Stella O’Sullivan at 01 8666426.
Closing Date
The closing date for application is Friday 20th January or earlier.
Next Steps
To apply, click here
