Executive Director

Full-time, Permanent Contract

ECL - Association of European Cancer Leagues

Brussels, Belgium

Deadline for application: 19 January 2025
Starting date: 31 March or ASAP

About ECL

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is the umbrella organisation of cancer leagues across the WHO European region and a driving force to advance cancer prevention, access to medicines and patient empowerment, as well as to influence EU health policies. Founded in 1980, ECL is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation independent from commercial interest, with a Secretariat based in Brussels.

Position summary

We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead ECL into a new era of growth and impact as the current Director is stepping down after 18 years leading ECL, continuing, however, to support the organization in the future as Expert Advisor. The new CEO will have a budget responsibility of over 1 million euros and will manage a team of 11 to 15 part- and full-time staff. The right candidate must be an EU citizen or have indefinite authorization to work in Belgium.

Key responsibilities

Develop and execute ECL’s long-term strategic vision and strategic plan. Work with the ECL Board in developing plans for the strategic development of the organization;
Manage the ECL office and oversees all activities and projects to ensure they align with the organisation’s goals;
Ensure implementation of the annual work plans;
Provide leadership and foresight, including ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization and fundraise when necessary;
Act as the main spokesperson for the organization;
Advocate for the objectives of the organization and its members;
Promote the cancer agenda to EU institutions, members of the European Parliament (EP), EU Commission officials and other relevant organisations; to brief them and enlist their support on priority cancer policy areas;
Actively engage in networking activities on behalf of the organisation and the projects in which it participates, building strong relationships with key players on an international level;
Ensure a healthy membership and seek opportunities to recruit new members;
Promote a strong organizational culture centered around organisation’s values being responsible for the full management, supervision, and recruitment of staff for an optimal secretariat;
Work with external colleagues in accounting, auditing, and IT;
Perform other duties, including administrative and financial, as required in a small office.

Must-Have Requirements

University degree in a relevant field to the position, including business administration, economics, finance, law etc.;
Proven record of at least 10 years in a senior leadership position including financial planning to ensure financial sustainability, performance metrics and reporting to a Board or Executive Committee;
Proven ability to manage high-performing teams of professionals across diverse functions;
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans successfully;
Expertise in fundraising, strategic marketing, and brand revitalization;
Ability to cultivate relationships with big donors, alongside strong advocacy skills;
Experienced in managing EU-funded projects with ability to write proposals for EC calls;
Experience in presenting and chairing international meetings;
Have intermediate financial and accounting skills;
Are passionate and sincerely committed. A natural motivator who can inspire, engage, and align teams toward achieving ambitious goals;
EU citizen or have indefinite authorization to work in Belgium.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

Doctorate or specialized education in a relevant field;
In-depth knowledge of public health issues and health systems in the area of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and social determinants;
Established network within the sector of health;
Experience in steering an organization through significant challenges;
Adaptability to navigate rapid changes.

What we offer

Full-time permanent contract with a competitive salary and extra benefits (meal vouchers, five additional extra-legal vacation days, time off between Christmas and New Year’s);
A friendly and supportive working environment, with the opportunity to take initiative and drive work;
Opportunity to engage with different European settings and travel internationally;
We promise you will never be bored working in a rewarding career for a worthwhile cause.

Applications for the position should be sent to vacancy(at)cancer.eu with the subject line: Executive Director – [Your name & surname]. Your application should include the following documents:

Curriculum vitae, no longer than two pages, with three professional references (2 of which must be line managers, contacted only at a later stage with your agreement);
Letter of Motivation, maximum two pages, which includes your 1) gross (brut) monthly salary expectations and 2) earliest availability.

Interviews will take place in Brussels in January. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

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