Key information:

0.6 FTE basis (21 hours per week).
Contract type: 18-month initial contract (with a view to permanency).
Salary: £competitive + benefits.
Location: Remote with travel as required for meetings.

Moon Executive Search is delighted to be retained search partners to The International Society for Respiratory Viruses (ISRV), as we bring their new role of Chief Executive Officer to the market for the first time.

The ISRV was established in 2005 to assist in the global prevention, detection, treatment and control of influenza and other respiratory viral diseases. The organisation is now among the largest international scientific communities of respiratory virus scientists and clinicians, with over 1,300 members representing approximately 68 countries.

The ISRV has expanded its activities in recent years, advancing the field of respiratory virus research and control. The Society runs conferences, Schools of Respiratory Viruses, newsletters, and webinars, all designed to enable knowledge exchange and professional growth within the scientific community. The ISRV Options for the Control of Influenza biennial scientific meeting is attended by more than 1,500 delegates, connecting the global respiratory virus community. Furthermore, their scholarship program funds meeting attendance for scientists from Low and Middle-Income Countries and those in the early stages of their professional careers, ensuring broader participation and diverse perspectives in discussions.

Additionally, the ISRV has increased collaborations with other infectious disease societies, helping drive policy and advocacy in response to emerging threats from respiratory viruses, through evidence synthesis and dissemination of new knowledge from top scientists in the field. ISRV’s first CEO will have the opportunity to build on success, and to further develop the future strategy, ensuring they continue to be at the forefront of respiratory virus science and medicine for years to come.

As CEO you will work closely with Trustees, committees and Special Interest Groups, developing a new and ambitious strategy that delivers the orgnisation’s long-term vision. You’ll take day to day operational accountability, with the authority to carry out responsibilities in accordance with direction and policies established by ISRV Trustees. You will oversee, manage and plan mitigations of all strategic risks to the organisation and ensure compliance with all relevant legal regulations related to ISRV.

Your responsibilities will also include supporting and developing ISRV’s first staff team, all of whom work remotely. This will involve managing the performance, development and wellbeing of staff, creating a fully inclusive and diverse work environment which adheres to best practices. Finally, you will continuously ‘horizon scan’ to enable the Society to respond to the changing professional needs of all ISRV members, confidently managing complex and fast-changing situations, making executive-level decisions based on a sound understanding of the related circumstances.

In summary, your role as CEO is to position ISRV as a leading professional society for respiratory virus scientists, creating an inclusive environment for existing and prospective members and those who partner, engage, and learn with ISRV.

For this appointment, we are seeking a proven senior leader within an international professional body or learned society, preferably in the scientific field. Ideally, you’ll have have experience working with scientists, trustees and committees of non-profit organisations, and a demonstrable track record of successfully leading or contributing significantly to organisational development and change. Proven experience in fundraising or income generation, including partnerships and sponsorship negotiation, will be highly advantageous.

NB: This position is being offered initially on a 0.6 FTE basis (21 hours per week) and for an initial 18-month Fixed Term Contract (with a view to permanency).

If you are interested in applying for the position, please submit by email your CV or biography together with a short Expression of Interest (EoI), explaining your motivations in applying for the role and any relevant information supporting your application.

Completed applications with CVs and EoI should quote reference MC2619 and should be sent by email to recruit@moonexecsearch.com