Vacancies 2010

Chief Executive Officer

Family Planning Queensland’s (FPQ) mission is to promote and achieve sexual and reproductive health for all, through excellence in clinical services, education, research and advocacy and by influencing policy development. Its values are Respect for others, Social justice, Professionalism, Innovation, Courage, Openness and Honesty.

FPQ is a public company limited by guarantee which was established in 1971. The company employs around 140 full and part time staff, operating across Queensland from 9 centres located in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. From these sites FPQ provides a range of sexual and reproductive health and administrative services.

Over the past 39 years, FPQ has grown to become the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services throughout Queensland. FPQ has a reputation for excellence and leadership in its field and with significant revenue under management, a strong balance sheet, significant staff numbers and a strong regional presence throughout Queensland. FPQ is a member of the national peak body, Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA). SH&FPA is a member of International Planned Parenthood Association (IPPF).

FPQ receives the majority of its funding from Queensland Health and also raises revenue through self-generated income and other specific project grants. With this funding it provides a comprehensive range of clinical, counselling, educational and training activities on family planning and sexual and reproductive health. It is also funded by Queensland Health, Education Queensland and Department of Communities to manage specific projects, including:

• Multicultural Women's Health Education Project on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Cairns Sexual Assault Service
• Correctional Facilities Education Project
• Cairns Children’s Counselling Services
• HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Training for Service Providers Working with Young People
• Children and Students with Special Needs Education Program.

Challenges

Some of the challenges as outlined in the current Strategic Plan include:

• Strengthening the existing business units to support FPQ’s continued growth
• Building partnerships with other organisations
• Strengthening FPQ’s capability and contribution to research
• Engaging with young people
• Diversifying FPQ’s funding base, and
• Pursuing continued infrastructure growth.

The Board

The Board comprises 4 members, Chair Tricia Davis, Mathew Schlyder, Charlotte Seib and Jane Lucke.

The role of the Board is to ensure that it advances the collective and common interests, now and into the future, of FPQ members and their communities in keeping with the stated organisational objectives as set out in the FPQ Constitution. These are to:

• Promote sexual and reproductive health amongst the public
• Prevent ill-health in the area of sexual and reproductive health
• Educate the public in respect of all issues relating to sexual and reproductive health
• Provide clinical, education and training services to attain the objects of FPQ
• Raise and secure sufficient funds for the advancement of the objects of FPQ
• Receive any funds and to distribute these funds in a manner that best attains the objects of the FPQ, and
• Do all things which are incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the objects of FPQ.

Structure

The organisation is currently structured with 6 direct reports to the CEO as follows:

• Director of Clinical Services Development (operational)
• Medical Director, Research, Clinical Education and Medical Practice
• Director of Education and Communication Services
• Finance Manager
• Corporate Services Manager and an
• Executive Assistant.

The role

Summary

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board and is responsible for the effective leadership and management of Family Planning Queensland.

The CEO will work closely and strategically with the Board to build on the organisation’s success, capitalising on its strengths to expand both its services and markets.

Location

The position is based at the Head Office in Brisbane at 100 Alfred St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The CEO will be required to travel to Queensland regional centres and interstate to attend national meetings for Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia.

Responsibilities and accountabilities

The primary responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer are as follows:

Leadership

• Provide leadership in positioning FPQ to take advantage of trends and influences in sexual and reproductive health issues
• Represent FPQ at forums, meetings, advisory groups and discussions with relevant government and non-government organisations
• Represent FPQ’s interest with Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia (SHFPA) and other member organisations, and carry out portfolio responsibilities as agreed by SHFPA and FPQ.

Management

• Implementation, monitoring and reporting of strategic and business plans
• Manage the human, physical and financial resources of FPQ to meet Board and organisational objectives
• Coordinate the preparation of funding submissions and reporting requirements to funding bodies
• Establish new projects in collaboration with senior staff
• Ensure FPQ complies with all required legal, financial and regulatory bodies
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety guidelines.

Board Support

• Provide high level reporting and advice to the Board on operational and strategic issues
• Evaluate policies and their implications and make recommendations to the Board on matters of new policy
• Work with the Board to develop the strategic plan
• Act as secretary to the Company.

Financial

• Ensure that FPQ is financially well managed
• Develop the budget in conjunction with senior staff
• Explore opportunities for revenue raising and co-ordinate the preparation of funding submissions.

Ideal candidate

Candidates are most likely to be seasoned executives with attributes including:

• A track record in delivering sustainable organisational change in a services environment
• A demonstrated ability to lead and manage a highly skilled and diverse workforce delivering best practice in people management
• A sophisticated appreciation of the nuances of service delivery agencies preferably gained from executive level experience in public health, community services or a related field
• Demonstrated sound communication and media skills with the ability to be a credible and effective public advocate for FPQ
• Demonstrated strong relationship building skills and capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including the Board, government, industry and community groups
• Reputation for innovation in the development of new products, tools and markets
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and financial management skills
• A demonstrated ability to apply their strong commercial acumen in a not for profit context
• A high level of comfort leading a values based organisation
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

Remuneration

The successful applicant will be required to enter into an executive contract for a period of up to three years.

A remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate and there is the opportunity to salary sacrifice. The incumbent is also entitled to take approved conference leave of up to five days annually.

Further information

More information on the organisation, including the 2009-2011 Strategic Plan can be found on the Internet at www.fpq.com.au.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in this role. Once you have reviewed the position description, should you require further information please direct any telephone enquiries to Kathy Townsend or Sally Clark on 03 8621 4000.

Applications

Applications close COB Wednesday 7th April 2010.

Should you wish to apply for the role, please forward your application as follows:

• Include a covering letter addressing the ideal candidate criteria and CV together as one file. Word documents are preferred.
• Please note in your covering letter how you found out about this opportunity.
• Please E-mail your application addressed to Ms Sally Clark, Director at opportunity@kathleentownsend.com.au

Applications are usually acknowledged within 2 to 3 working days of receipt.