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Chief Operating Officer (COO), European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
EACR.COO.15
13/09/2015
£48743 to £58172 per annum, depending upon experience
Permanent, Full-time
Headquarters of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR),
Nottingham, UK
The CEO and Board of the European Association for Cancer Research
This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to provide operational expertise across all areas for the largest membership association for Cancer Research in Europe.
As COO you will provide outstanding support to the CEO and Board through highly effective management in a fast developing and creative context.

EACR is Europe’s largest professional member society for cancer researchers with close to 10,000 members worldwide. Membership is open to anyone actively working or studying in cancer research and our members come from across the full spectrum, from basic through to translational and clinical research.
EACR provides a wide range of services to members, facilitates communication and collaboration, and organises a highly regarded congress and series of cancer research conferences each year.
The next EACR Congress: EACR-24 will be held in Manchester in 2016 and in 2017 EACR’s first interdisciplinary congress will take place in partnership with the European Society of Medical Oncologists
(ESMO) in Madrid.
Complementing the congresses, EACR Conference Series meetings will be arranged addressing the latest research topics and providing programmes that encourage interaction between participants.
EACR also supports members’ attendance at its congress and conference series through bursaries and full participation grants. The Association also has a long established Travel Fellowship programme which provides opportunities for qualifying researchers to gain invaluable experience and advance their work through a supported stay at a centre of excellence.
EACR communications via fortnightly bulletin, website and social media are also of great benefit to members.
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Note:
Robert Kenney, who has led EACR with distinction over the last 9 years, will retire from his post as
Executive Director of the Association on 30 th September 2015.
Restructuring
The Chief Operating Officer is a new post in the EACR staffing structure based at the Association’s headquarters in Nottingham.
The post has been introduced to ensure that current programmes and activities continue to flourish, widen in scope and successfully develop. The COO will have direct oversight and responsibility for the day to day running of the Secretariat, its efficiency, creativity and ‘can do’ ethos in implementing the Board’s current and subsequent Strategic Plans.
The COO will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and provide highly responsive support as the CEO works with the Board to take forward its vision for EACR, secure a further step change in its development and significantly increase its visibility and impact in Europe in the interest of patients
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The EACR Board aims to attract the best possible individual to this post and will consider excellent candidates with relevant experience from any sector: private, public and not-for-profit.

Reporting to the CEO and the Board, the Chief Operating Officer will provide strong management and team leadership, and have overall operational responsibility for EACR’s staff and programmes.
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Take a key role in supporting the Board’s decision making processes regarding Association strategy and policy
Including: o Provide professional advice and support to Executive Officers and the Board. o Provide reports and supporting papers to assist in establishing clear and direct policy and practice. o Implement a budgeted strategic plan each year in response to the Board’s agreement of priorities. o Establish an effective action planning process to ensure the successful delivery of the objectives set out in the Strategic Plan. o Provide the Board with progress reports at each of its meetings.

Work closely with the EACR Board and officers across all areas of activity
Including: o Directly support the President in her/his role including the preparation of the agenda for Board meetings and drafting of related minutes; and in progressing work arising from the Board meetings and its Standing Committees. o Support the Treasurer in the preparation of the annual budget for presentation to the Board for approval. o Keep the Board and its Officers informed on all matters requiring action and provide information upon which decisions can be based. o Manage Association Standing Committees and Council. Provide a clear operational focus, assess and advise to ensure positive outcomes. o Agree EACR’s organisational and staffing structure with the Finance and Personnel Committee, including the salary structure and model for performance review. o Maintain regular interaction with EACR affiliated National societies.

Oversee the overall administration of EACR
Including: o Lead and manage EACR’s staff by assigning tasks, evaluating work performance, and providing CPD opportunities and training. o Arrange for the appointment of staff as required by the Finance and Personnel Committee. o Oversee the negotiation of partnership contracts and those with suppliers and sponsors, as directed by the CEO and Executive Board. o Maintain, develop and agree policies for the effective operation of the EACR Secretariat. o Maintain and apply the principles and guidance set out in the EACR ‘Best Value’ statement.

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Ensure that all EACR activity areas are aiming for and achieving excellent outcomes
Including: o Oversight of and support for the work of EACR staff teams and individuals working on the EACR
Conference Series, communications and marketing, all aspects of member services and in support of
Standing Committees o Monitor and report on the quality and standards achieved by EACR activities using structured feedback from members o Maintain external partnerships, including those with Sustaining Members, foundations and complementary organisations, that are of direct benefit to the Association and its members
Take a pivotal role in the successful organisation of EACR Congresses and Conference Series
Including: o Contribute to and co-ordinate the various Congress committees with the appointed PCO to ensure expansion and development. o Develop and have oversight of the EACR Conference Series
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Attend European and international conferences and meetings as required
Travel to conference venues, committee meetings and any other meetings as requested by the CEO and
Executive Board.
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Undertake any other duties as required by the Board that are within the compass of the role
*This job description may be subject to revision following discussion with the person appointed, and forms part of the contract of employment.

Qualifications/education
Skills/training
Management & administrative
experience and knowledge
Essential
Graduate
Desirable
A higher degree:

MBA or Alternative Masters

Other accredited qualifications relevant to the post
Fluent in English – both written and spoken
Relevant and successful operational and management experience
Excellent communication skills in
English, both written and spoken
Skill areas:
Other European language

Specific management and leadership training

Experience of providing training

Strategic awareness and the ability to support the Board in setting and achieving its objectives.

Ability to communicate effectively with the Board, staff, affiliates and other agencies

Negotiation skills and collegiality

Problem-solving and decisionmaking skills
Commitment to Continuous
Professional Development for all employees
A thorough understanding and appreciation of good Governance
Extensive and varied experience at a senior level
Experience and training in the successful application of performance review processes
Good background knowledge of the Governance issues faced by complex organisations

Previous experience of work in the not-for-profit sector

Knowledge about/experience in European policy
Solid understanding of financial concepts and experience of managing and preparing detailed budgets

Personal attributes
Strong people management skills and the ability to develop highperformance teams
Integrity, good judgement and positive attitude
Adaptable, proactive and innovative
Willing to travel internationally, mainly in Europe and USA
Willing to live no more than one hour travelling time from the EACR headquarters
Informal enquiries may be directed to Ruth Perkins (EA to the EACR President, Professor Richard Marais) at ruth.perkins@cruk.manchester.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is 13 th September 2015, late applications will not be accepted.
We expect to issue invitations to interview by Friday 25 th September 2015.
The interviews will be held at the EACR Headquarters in Nottingham on Wednesday 7 th October 2015.
EACR Secretariat
Sir Colin Campbell Building
University of Nottingham Innovation Park
Triumph Road
Nottingham NG7 2TU
United Kingdom
As well as a competitive pay scale, we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We also offer performance related pay and an excellent contributory pension scheme. We invest in our employee’s professional development, with performance and development reviews, and provide access to training and courses that support Continuous Professional Development (CPD). We also believe in career progression and promotion opportunities.
EACR is an entirely free standing organisation but sets out to provide conditions of service that, where possible and practicable, mirror those enjoyed by Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM) staff members of the University of Nottingham (UoN).

Salary adjustments are made annually in line with the agreed pay settlement for UoN staff on APM salary scales in August. Likewise, any adjustments to salary approved by the EACR Finance and Personnel
Committee following Performance Review are made in August each year.
The advertised post currently qualifies for an Employer’s contribution of 6% up to a maximum 16% of salary to the UoN’s Group Contributory Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP), provided by Legal & General,and to which
EACR staff have access. EACR may adjust the maximum contribution in line with the UoN’s USS contribution scale.
In addition to Public Holidays, the post holder is entitled to 30 Days Annual Leave. Currently the EACR
Finance and Personnel Committee approves up to a further 5 days leave in-line with a holiday pattern set by the University of Nottingham.
The salary scale for the post is £48743 to £58172 per annum depending on experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance and reflects the current University of Nottingham APM 6 salary scale.

European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
Advancing cancer research - from basic research to prevention, treatment and care Mission
Aims To promote excellence in Cancer Research by engaging actively in the European cancer scene, and with a willingness to respond and adapt to the changing landscape
To value and support increasing numbers of members by providing an outstanding congress and conference series, communications output of the highest quality, and direct assistance through a travel fellowships programme, meeting bursaries and services.
To develop further as an influential organisation with creative and supportive partnerships, strong principles that inform policy and practice, and the drive to win sustained political and economic support for cancer research and cancer researchers.
For further information, please see our website www.eacr.org
The EACR Headquarters
EACR has its Headquarters, also referred to as its Secretariat, at the University of Nottingham Innovation
Park (UNIP). The Association has a suite of modern offices in the Sir Colin Campbell Building: the gateway to the University’s Jubilee Campus, which also offers attractive communal areas and additional rooms for business activities such as video-conferencing.
The campus is both interesting and attractive with striking modern architecture, water features and walkways. EACR staff members are provided with a permit, if required, that that gives access to parking at
UNIP and across the other University sites.
A wide range of facilities are close at hand including restaurants, shops for essentials, and coffee bars. As
‘UNIP Associates’, EACR staff may have access to facilities such as the Sports Centre and make use of a shuttle service to visit campuses close by.
Living in and around Nottingham
Nottingham is a thriving city in the heart of England and home to around 750,000 people and the East
Midlands premier commercial, retail, financial and business centre. Nottingham plays a distinctive role in the UK’s national and regional economic growth.
The city is rapidly developing and benefitting from major regeneration projects.

Location and transport
The city’s excellent transport links make it the ideal location from which to explore. Due to its variety of public transport and cycle routes, Nottingham has been named as the least car dependent city in the UK.
‘It’s really no wonder that Nottingham is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. The compact city centre, just a short bus or bike ride from the University, combines heritage and history with contemporary culture...’ Guardian.co.uk
Nottingham’s location also allows easy access to the countryside and great places to live outside of the city, from the Peak District in the west to the market towns of the Vale of Belvoir in the east.
Events
Nottingham has year-round events and activities for everyone to enjoy, whatever the season: fairgrounds, continental markets, festivals, fireworks displays, cultural celebrations, music events and even outdoor ice skating.
Notable events include Goose Fair, The Robin Hood Beer Festival, Riverside Festival and the Christmas
Market.
Culture
Nottingham has a flourishing arts scene, including visual arts, music, theatre, cinema, literature and entertainment. People of all ages, interests and backgrounds are all well-catered for and encouraged to discover what Nottingham culture has to offer.
Outdoors
Nottingham has an array of open green spaces. Close by the UNIP campus is the historical Wollaton Hall and deer park where you will find rolling pastures, woodland and a pretty lake.
Newstead Abbey, the former home of the famous poet Lord Byron, features stunning medieval cloisters set in 300 acres of parkland with lakes, waterfalls and impressive gardens.
In Nottinghamshire there are opportunities to get out and about in the fresh air including country parks such as Clumber and Rufford. The Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding national beauty is close by and the Peak District National Park is also on Nottingham’s doorstep. Stately homes including Chatsworth
House and Calke Abbey are within easy reach.
Sport
The county is also home to an impressive range of major sports teams and first-class facilities. Nottingham is home to two professional football clubs, Nottingham Forest and Notts County as well as its own rugby club. The National Ice Centre also host ice-hockey. The Trent Bridge Cricket ground is just outside the city centre as is the National Water Sports Centre.

Shopping
You will find an array of high street shops and good department stores in the city centre. The Victoria
Centre and Broadmarsh Centre offer hours of indoor shopping. The Nottingham’s Lace Market area has a number of designer outlets to offer, including Vivienne Westwood, Kurt Geiger and local designer Paul
Smith.
The historical area of Hockley offers a range of boutiques and independent outlets selling vintage and alternative garments and retro furnishings.
Dining
Being a culturally diverse city Nottingham has a lot of choice when it comes to eating out. In Hockley and the Lace Market you will find many alternatives to mainstream coffee shops including Lee Rosy’s tea rooms and The Walk Cafe. There are also some highly awarded restaurants on offer in the city centre including
World Service, Harts and Michelin starred Sat Bain’s.