Goodson Thomas | Headhunter Wales | Executive Search Wales

Established in 2019, Moondance Cancer Initiative (MCI) finds, funds and fuels brilliant people and brave ideas to make Wales a world leader in cancer survival. A not-for-profit company, philanthropically funded by the Moondance Foundation, MCI aims is to accelerate significant and sustained improvement in cancer survival outcomes in the next 10 - 15 years, with a particular focus on early detection and diagnosis, and on bowel cancer.

In the next 15 years, there will be more deaths from cancer in those under 75 than those from cardiovascular, respiratory and liver deaths combined. At the same time, the incidence of cancer is rising at just under 2% per year for the foreseeable future. Even before Covid-19, it was projected that the number of people 'living with cancer' in Wales would double to over 200,000 by 2030, and this effect is unlikely to be equal.

Optimistic & practical, MCI has committed over £5m to projects across Wales in the short time since its establishment. It currently has 18 active investments, including introducing novel diagnostics to Wales, innovating the workforce, investing in research infrastructure to enable colorectal cancer patients to access trials, and supporting the expansion of Rapid Diagnosis Centres.

MCI's research and insights work informs its strategy and funding priorities, allowing MCI to be intelligent funders and enablers of change. Committed to learning in the open, MCI shares its research and insight work, and collaborates with like minded optimists and change makers across the cancer landscape in Wales and globally.

More than money, MCI gives bold thinkers support to make ideas happen. The team seeks out and nurtures warm connections with people who have ideas and energy, who can spot opportunities for change and can try out potential new solutions. They are keen to find ways to add some joy to cancer care, and bolster confidence that better is possible. In June 2022, the first Moondance Cancer Initiative Awards celebrated and spotlighted people across NHS Wales and its partners who have maintained and innovated cancer services despite the extraordinary circumstances of the last two years.

Already, Moondance Cancer Initiative has positioned itself as a highly credible and respected facilitator of innovation and a platform for sharing and promoting best practice through the funding of cancer service transformation and the dissemination of insight into better services and outcomes.

MCI is now committed to building on its work to encourage NHS Wales and Welsh Government to disrupt sub-optimal arrangements and transform clinical and commissioning pathways to improve the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancers in Wales.

The Company now seeks a new CEO with the skills, experience and passion to drive forward the strategic vision developed over the last three years.

The Role

The Board is seeking a new CEO to drive forward the momentum achieved by the Company's first CEO, Dr Megan Mathias. Reporting to the Chair and working closely with the Board, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the current strategy, generate and ensure effective and efficient delivery of the Company's many activities. This will involve growing the clinical advisory group, overseeing robust financial management, and nurturing the ongoing development of the small, high performing MCI team.

The CEO will be accountable for a programme of live projects; growing a pipeline of further potential projects and partnerships; defining and overseeing the research and insight workstream jointly with the Clinical Director; acting as a key ambassador and face of MCI publicly; and driving forward the organisation's strategy to inspire hope and action to improve cancer services across Wales.

The Individual

You will be a high calibre, impactful and inspirational individual with a demonstrable track record in networking, influencing, stakeholder management, and with the ability to create and sustain effective partnerships.

You will have proven experience at Director level in healthcare, life-sciences, the charitable sector, a cancer-related service or organisation, or have experience of working in or with NHS Wales or Welsh Government.

You will be an outstanding communicator with the ability to promote the purpose and strategy of MCI coupled with commercial acumen to maximise the use of donations.

Knowledge of the healthcare and life sciences landscape in Wales will be valuable, and existing connections with senior figures and networks in these areas would be advantageous. Experience of overseeing the allocation of grants would be highly desirable, as would be knowledge of protecting Intellectual Property.

For an informal discussion, and to request the copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact the Goodson Thomas team on 029 2167 4422.

To apply please submit your CV and Covering letter via the 'Apply now' button below.

All applications will be acknowledged.

Deadline for applications: 12.00 noon, Wednesday 28th September 2022
Final interview: 13th October 2022