The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) is the peak national body for cardiovascular (CV) research, with a unique mandate and capability to harness the power of Australia’s research community to drive improved CV and Stroke outcomes for all Australians.

The ACvA is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation representing the interests of a diverse membership which spans individual researchers, research institutes, peak bodies (advocacy groups/consumer groups), and industry members.

Our vision is to deliver transformative change to cardiovascular research and health outcomes by building a thriving cardiovascular ecosystem. We do this by bringing the cardiovascular research sector together in a whole of pipeline approach, to collaboratively provide research solutions to identified health challenges through three interconnected initiatives:

• Health Leadership Research Forum – A government engagement platform to connect and align the research continuum with clinical and health system needs, identified by data and expertise.
• Clinical Theme Initiative – Developing national, multi-disciplinary research programs to tackle unmet needs in Hypertension, Stroke, Heart Failure, Arrhythmia, Coronary Artery Disease and Improving CV outcomes for First Nations People.
• Implementation and Policy Roundtables – Considering latest evidence to prioritise and drive effective implementation.

The ACvA has devised seven strategic flagships that are at the centre of the Alliance and provide a platform of strengths in cardiovascular research and clinical care: 1) Implementation and Policy; 2) Clinical Trials; 3) Big Data; 4) Precision Medicine; 5) Drug Discovery; 6) Bioengineering and 7) Disease Mechanisms. These cross cutting capabilities underpin the ACvA Strategy.

The ACvA:

• Acts as an advocate for increased and innovative funding models for heart, stroke and vascular disease research
• Promotes the development of strong engagement and partnerships between cardiovascular researchers Australia-wide, industry, government and consumers.
• Supports capacity and collaboration building activities
• Promotes the importance and impact of cardiovascular research in driving improved health outcomes for all Australians.

Purpose of the role

The Chief Executive Officer represents the ACvA and embodies our mission to advance cardiovascular and stroke research. Reporting to the Board, the CEO ensures effective financial oversight, staff management, and governance of the ACvA.

The CEO is also responsible for building and managing key stakeholder relationships, maintaining and establishing new revenue sources, driving the development and implementation of the ACvA’s strategic initiatives; supporting our honorary leadership, ensuring delivery of contractual commitments and operational plans, and championing our vision for a collaborative and impactful cardiovascular and stroke research sector.

Key accountabilities

1. Governance – Responsible for all aspects of the business and administration of the company and to meet its fiduciary responsibilities, encompassing matters such as:

• Provide timely and accurate reports to the board and ensure that the board is kept fully informed on all aspects of the company including risk and financial management.
• Provide secretariat services to the Board and its committees, including, the Scientific Advisory Committee, to fulfill the organisation’s goals.
• Ensure the Company adheres to sound financial practices and policies and is compliant with all relevant legislation (ACNC) and ACvA constitution.
• Development of policies, as needed to ensure appropriate accountability, for example for staff, safety and security, risk management, code of conduct and conflicts of interest.

2. Financial performance and sustainability - To ensure the financial health of the organisation, including:

• Identifying and securing new funding for the ACvA
• Preparing annual budgets and regular forecasts
• Delivering key initiatives within the approved budget, ensuring appropriate resource allocation
• Acquittals and audits in line with contractual obligations.

3. Strategic development – Leads the development, implementation and review of the ACvA strategy under the guidance of the ACvA board.

4. Organisation operations - Oversees and implements resources to ensure that the operations of the ACvA are efficient, cost effective and impactful.

5. Stakeholder engagement – Maintain key stakeholder relationships:

• Be an ambassador for the Alliance to external stakeholders, including industry, the research sector, Governments and philanthropy.
• Represent the Company as the spokesperson at public forums, functions, events and
  meetings, and in the development and maintenance of relationships with funding
  bodies, corporate donors, philanthropists and sponsors.

To be considered you will need

• Significant track record of leadership and high-level managerial experience or qualifications.
• Significant experience and/or depth of understanding of science from a research, policy, or industry background.
• Strong record of establishing collaborations and working with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to work effectively with consumer groups, senior levels of government, industry and academic stakeholders.
• A demonstrable record of operating in a complex business environment
• Proven ability to work with ambiguity and bring clarity to complex issues.
• Demonstrated business acumen.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A commitment to the goals of the ACvA, and its strategy of facilitating collaborative and impactful cardiovascular research in Australia.

Values

• Collaborative
• Committed
• Dynamic
• Innovative

A position description is attached.