Executive DirectorThe Federation of EuropeanMicrobiological Societies (FEMS)
03 About FEMS04 What You’ll Do08 Recruitment Process
The Federation of EuropeanMicrobiological Societies (FEMS)is seeking an Executive Director toprovide strategic leadership andto deliver the aims and mission ofFEMS. We are a coalition of morethan 57 Member Societies from40 countries, a diverse network ofOur central office with a smallinternational team is based inDelft, but we work with hundredsof individual scientists, partners,and suppliers across Europe.
Our commitment is to support microbiologists todo their work, promote the best in microbiologicalresearch and knowledge to the world, and bringmicrobiologists together to share that knowledge.As a not-for-profit organization, we reinvest ourrevenues into supporting microbiologists throughouttheir career, publishing and promoting scientificresearch in our journals and organizing events tobring scientists together.
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03 Dober Partners Executive Director I FEMS
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04 Dober Partners Executive Director I FEMS
The Executive Director is responsible foroverseeing day-to-day activity of theFederation, as well as helping to design,develop, and implement strategies, plansand policies. The Executive Director isresponsible for working with the Directorsand Council in the development of theFederation’s strategic aims, and fordelivering the achievement of these,both directly and through a team of staff
The Executive Director provides leadership to the Federation,in liaison with the Board of Directors and reports to the Boardon a regular basis. The Executive Director is responsible for thecore activities of the organization, including publications, eventsand, network building as well as for keeping track of resources,including staff, budget and other assets of the Federation. TheExecutive Director analyses performance to review and enhanceefficiency and meet strategic goals, serving as chief administratorfor all the Federation’s daily operations and programs, fosteringa collaborative, positive and “can-do” working culture.
The post requires excellent leadership skills; knowledge of theglobal scholarly communications environment; good writtenand spoken communication skills; strong team managementand motivational skills with the ability to prioritize. Effective timemanagement skills, administration and organizational skills andattention to detail are also required. A sound knowledge ofresearch-based publishing, and an understanding of the issuesfaced by publishers, particularly non-profit publishers, andrelated businesses is fundamental.
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05 Dober Partners Executive Director I FEMS
Essential Functions
The Executive Director ensures smoothrunning and efficient operation andadministration of the Federation’soperational activities. The Executive Directoris responsible for ensuring all operationalprocesses and systems are efficient andeffective achieved by managing peopleand developing a high-performance team,managing budgets and resources, andoverseeing organizational planning andinformation flow. The Executive Directorsupervises, supports, and works closelywith the FEMS team of project managersand officers, providing direction, training,and mentorship. To ensure sector-widebest practice, the Executive Director willalso consult specialists as appropriate(e.g., legal, tax, building services) to ensurecompliance with legal, funding, andcharitable regulations.
Managing the Team
This Executive Director’s responsibilitiesinclude managing the Federation’s coreadministrative team: the processes ofrecruiting, hiring, and training employees;planning, assigning, and directing work;appraising performance, motivating, andretaining members; addressing complaintsand resolving problems. The Executive
Director is expected to create, motivate,manage, and direct a high-performanceteam and support and guide them in their
Problem solving and initiative
The Executive Director provides leadershipand management to ensure that themission and core values of the Federationare put into practice. Initiative anddiscretion are required to respond anddevelop effective solutions to businesschallenges. The Executive Director leadson the development and operationalinfrastructure of systems, processes, andpersonnel to achieve objectives of FEMSand collaborates with the Board to developand implement plans for the strategicgrowth and development.
The Executive Director works with othermembers of staff, the Financial Consultantand Finance Director to produce anannual budget for the approval of theBoard. Throughout the year, the Executiveand oversight, in liaison with the financialconsultant to ensure that financial forecastsare being met. The annual budget
and major purchases are subject to theapproval of the Finance Director and,where necessary, the Board of Directors.The major source of income for theFederation is our publications and ourpublisher, Oxford University Press (OUP), is akey business relationship, managed by theExecutive Director. The Executive Directoris also responsible for ensuring financialpractices and processes are efficient andmeet relevant regulations.
Working with the Board of Directors
The Executive Director supports the Boardwith their strategic decision making andexecuting their decisions. The ExecutiveDirector provides information on theFederation’s activities and developments tothe Board, to enable them to have sufficientoversight. This information is also providedin person via four Board meetings per year,which the Executive Director is expectedto organize and facilitate. The ExecutiveDirector collaborates with Directors toassess and prioritize new project proposals,activities, and initiatives from within andoutside the Board.
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06 Dober Partners Executive Director I FEMS
Working with publisher(s)
FEMS has a portfolio of 7 journals whichwe publish with our not-for-profit publisherOxford University Press. We are committedto publishing high-quality scientific researchthat is accessible and more easily sharedacross borders. A key aspect of FEMS revenuederives from FEMS publications and it is vitalthat the Executive Director works with theManaging Editor, Publication Director and
Communicating and Building Networks
The Executive Director oversees promotionof the Federation at events, in promotionalmaterials, and on social media outlets,seeking to strengthen relationshipswith Member Societies and the widermicrobiology and STEM community. TheExecutive Director works to raise FEMS’ profilewhenever possible, including identifyingpotential partnerships and promotingboth internal and external collaboration.The Executive Director represents theorganization, collaborates with a wide rangeof stakeholders, many of which includediverse groups and cultures, and it is vitalfor the Executive Director to be able tocollaborate, connect, and make a positiveimpression. The Executive Director should becomfortable speaking about the objectivesand success of the organization andcommunicate passion and excitement for theorganization’s mission in public messages.
Key deliverables and outputs
– The Federation operating within budgetand meeting financial and other objectives
– Strategic objectives identified and deliveryplans to achieve these established
– Motivated, committed, and professionalstaff
– Collaborative and positive relationshipswith the Board of Directors
– Closer connections and collaborationswith Member Societies and other relevantorganizations
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07 Dober Partners Executive Director I FEMS
– Right to work in the EU
– Significant managerial experience,preferably by working in a scholarlysociety or academic environment
– Experience in the organization andmanagement of support processesand operational management in aprofessional organization
– Knowledge of the global scholarlyacademic journals and publications
– Demonstrable advanced knowledgeof, and experience with finance andcontrol processes.
– FEMS’ operational language is English;excellent communication skills andproficiency in the English language(English is either your native language oryou are at least certified at C1 level in theCEFR or equivalent).
The benefits of working at FEMS
We are a positive and supportiveorganization and foster an atmosphere ofinclusion and equal opportunities. We arekeen to attract highly talented individualsfrom a diverse range of backgrounds andwelcome applications from people of allexperiences and promote family-friendlyand flexible working practices. We work ina light, spacious and well-equipped officein Delft, easily reached by public transportfrom Leiden, Rotterdam, or the Hague andare a cycle friendly workplace with securebike parking spaces and shower facilities.
What we can offer you
This role is for 36 hours per work weekand includes:
– Opportunity to grow and develop on thejob, with generous training and support
– 8% annual holiday pay (due in May)
– 192 holiday hours per annum
– An employer that promotes familyfriendly and flexible working practices.
– Travel costs to and from work (accordingto our terms and conditions)
– Generous pension plan (thoughthis can be waived at the request ofthe employee)
Rec
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ss Dober Partners has been retained to draw up a shortlist of prospective candidates against the criteria set out in this document, and usingtheir discretion and expertise to recruit a newExecutive Director, together with the Board ofDirectors of FEMS.
If you wish to apply for this position, pleasesend your CV and motivation letter to the DoberPartners – FEMS search team below by 20 May2022 at the latest but preferably much sooner.
Please note that up to 6 shortlisted candidateswill be invited to interview in Delt, Holland all inone day to be confirmed late June (likely to be
For further information please contact:
Mark Dober
M: +32 477 950 466
M: +32 488 945 579natalia@doberpartners.com
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