Chief Executive Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Responsible to: The Board of Trustees, via the Chair of the Board.

• Responsible for: Overall strategic and general management of the SU, its people and resources, activities, governance and relationships.

• Direct Reports: Director of Membership Engagement/Deputy CEO, Director of Enterprise and Services. 

• Functional Relationships: SU staff, Student Officers, and Trustees, senior University of Cambridge staff, external contractors, suppliers and stakeholders.

JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the senior manager of the charity and principal advisor to the SU’s student officers and Board of Trustees. The CEO works in partnership with the student officers and trustees to develop and lead the direction, strategy and operational performance of the SU, ensuring the Charity meets the needs of its diverse membership and stakeholders. The post-holder ensures the SU’s values, and student-led agendas, are realised through effective and efficient management of resources. Key functions of the role are: 

• Ensure the planned and sustainable development of Cambridge SU, and the growth of future activity, services and income streams.

• Oversee organisational governance, whilst ensuring internal culture and policy work towards, and in accordance with, the aims of the elected leadership.

• Overall management of Cambridge SU and coordinating the different areas of the organisation.

• Manage the interface between the democratic, governance and operational aspects of Cambridge SU and provide expertise within the organisation.

• Work closely with the student officers to support delivery of goals, priorities and achievement of Cambridge SU’s aims and objectives.

• Forge effective networks and partnerships that advance Cambridge SU’s standing community and complement the strategic aims of the charity. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

STRATEGY AND PLANNING

• Facilitate development of a dynamic strategy that reflects the aims and priorities of the SU, and co-ordinate implementation of such strategy through development of supporting business plans.

• Monitor implementation of the strategy and business plans, ensuring such plans are regularly reviewed, evaluated and updated, and providing regular progress reports against the strategy to the Board of Trustees

• Oversee management and development of the SU’s facilities and IT, ensuring delivery of high-quality services and a safe, operative environment for the SU’s activities and people.

• Encourage and lead promotion of the Charity’s work and achievements among stakeholders, including developing an ongoing value proposition to its members and the University.

GOVERNANCE

• Advise the Trustees of their duties under charity law, in particular in accordance with the 1994 Education Act (in respect of students’ unions) and 2011 Charities Act, and to advise on all constitutional matters.

• Develop, support and advise the trustees on all matters, and contribute to a Board culture of effectiveness, openness and integrity through high quality support and advice, and provision of timely and well-prepared information, reports and resources.

• Establish robust approach to risk management, supporting the Board of Trustees to determine risk appetite and ensuring effective risk registers and supporting processes.

• Have overall responsibility for meeting, and reporting upon, agreed objectives and key performance indicators through the efficient and effective management of staff, finances and other resources.

• Ensure the Union’s elections take place in accordance with the governing documents; that they are fair and democratic; and Members and the University are engaged in their good governance.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the financial management of the SU, ensuring effective systems and procedures of financial and budgetary control are in place.

• Develop strategic financial forecasts for the SU, and resultant plans of action to ensure the financial sustainability of the Charity.

• Oversee production of an annual Income and Expenditure budget and report regularly on significant variance to budgets; and ensure an appropriate reporting framework to regulators, funders, Trustees and management.

• Oversee production of an annual Capital Expenditure budget, ensuring effective use of capital and advising the Trustees on implications on the Union’s Balance Sheet.

• Ensure best value for money is obtained and be accountable for the security of resources, utilising appropriate systems to control income and safeguard assets.

• Develop, implement and review the SU’s Financial Procedures and accounting methodology, in conjunction with the Finance Committee.

• Proactively develop and procure funding commitments in accordance with the SU’s needs from the University, Collegiate University, and associated departments, bodies and groups.

• Ensure income streams for the SU are actively developed and responsibly managed in accordance with the SU’s strategy and aims.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Develop and implement a robust resourcing plan that delivers the appropriate volunteer and staff resource to meet the SU’s mission and strategic aims.

• Develop and implement a people and culture plan that supports the SU’s people to be their best and to meet agreed plans and objectives.

• Ensure a robust policy framework is in place covering all people resource, ensuring the SU remains compliant with legislation and regulation, facilitates people to be effective and draws on best practice in people management.

• Put in place a robust performance management system covering all people resources and ensuring delivery of organisational strategies and plans.

• Promote a learning and development culture and ensure provision of a clear framework for continuous professional development.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND COLLABORATIVE WORKING

• Create a positive and collaborative relationship with the Student Officers, ensuring their work is interwoven with the SU’s strategy, that they can deliver their priorities, and that they are well supported and challenged.

• Manage effective relationships with trustees, building a culture of collaborative and partnership working between trustees and senior managers.

• Build collaborative and mutually beneficial and respectful relationships with senior university personnel and other external stakeholders.

• Ensure there are strong relationships in place with key senior University staff, with additional focus on stakeholders within the Council for the Supervision of the Students’ Union.

• Ensure appropriate and effective handover, induction, training and development activities are provided for Student Officers.

COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with legislation and regulation, advising the trustees on changes in legislation and regulation, providing a robust policy framework and ensuring an appropriate training framework is in place.

• Assume lead responsibility for the management of health and safety, ensuring a robust policy framework and procedures are in place and adequate training.

• Ensure the SU acts with due diligence regarding data, complies with data protection legislation and has robust systems in place in this regard. 

• Ensure adequate insurance cover is in place and that any requirements made by insurers are met.

• Lead the SU’s diversity and inclusion work, putting in place strategies, policies and systems to ensure the SU is an inclusive organisation that promotes and facilitates diversity.

• Lead the SU’s work on sustainability, developing systems and policies that support sustainable practice.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

?BENEFITS 

• 28 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and customary closure days over the Christmas holiday (normally 3 days).

• Opportunities to attend conferences and training days to progress your career and support with ongoing professional development (to be confirmed during probation period).

• Day off for your birthday

• Day off for moving house

• Cycle purchase scheme

• Pension contributions

• Access to training & development opportunities

• Free annual eye test

• Cam Card & Totum Card discounts

• Free parking space

PROBATION AND NOTICE PERIOD

• Probation of 6 months, with milestones agreed and reviewed at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month reviews.

• Notice period of 3 months.