Job Description

Salary

Competitive

Contract type

Fixed Term

Location

Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

This is a fixed term

,

2 years, full time vacancy.

The VacancyAlzheimer's Research UK (ARUK), the UK's leading dementia research charity, is seeking a Digital, Data and Technology (DDT) leader to head up its DDT transformation programme and build the DDT capability we need as a growing organisation.


Reporting to the Deputy CEO, this 2-year fixed-term role will be the strategic lead for DDT; leading and developing a newly formed Directorate of approximately 25 people, alongside a transformation team. In collaboration with colleagues, you will define, lead, and execute Alzheimer's Research UK's new DDT Strategy. Responsible for both the strategic and operational aspects of DDT across ARUK, you will not only help ensure that the charity meets its strategic objectives, but also that the systems used by the charity are operationally robust, scalable and secure and that everyone involved in delivering DDT has the capability and capacity to deliver and maintain what is needed both within and outside the team.


ARUK are looking for a CIO with experience of leading large, complex DDT transformations, ensuring ARUK has the business systems, digital enablers and data it needs to deliver, and with a strong track record in taking diverse teams through the changes needed to support a growing, ambitious charity.


Candidates are sought with exemplary leadership skills with the ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels, along with a demonstrable aptitude and passion for building organisational capacity in digital awareness and literacy. A strong team player, the successful candidate will also have excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, as well as being able to think strategically and creatively in a busy, dynamic environment. They will be passionate about the difference ARUK can make for everyone affected by dementia.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Setting the strategic direction and delivering on our ambitions

In partnership with the other members of the ARUK-wide Leadership Team, drive forward delivery of ARUK's strategy, with a focus on continuous improvement and learning. To develop and own a compelling vision and strategic plan which fully supports ARUK's "Towards A Cure" strategy; and the tenacity and skills to deliver against this plan. Ensure ARUK has the organisation, capabilities and ways of working to deliver the required digital solutions across the charity. With CRM at the centre, ensure ARUK has appropriate core platforms which allow it to continuously improve its organisational and operational performance. Develop and implement the most appropriate target operating model (TOM) for delivery of the three transformational Horizons. Create a transparent, robust and relevant framework for governance and prioritisation of DDT workload including capacity planning. Ownership of the technology, data and digital architecture across ARUK ensuring the best use of technology and platforms with integration/interoperability key considerations. Delivery of data and technology programmes and projects as part of each Horizon, ensuring they provide the right solutions at the optimal cost, on time and with minimum organisational risk. Supporting the delivery of digital programmes to ensure alignment with overall DDT strategy and timely delivery Ensure data is used to enable improved decision making and performance across the organisation, with particular focus on ensuring that the part played by our data capability maximises the opportunity for audience growth and engagement. Provide appropriate and informed advice to the Executive Leadership Team, on the potential benefits and risks of alternative models for the delivery of technology, data and digital services. Ensure all operational activities and services across data and technology perform appropriately, operate at scale and are fit for purpose with overlaps to digital clear and understood. Provide a truly effective business partnering model which engages and informs stakeholders, providing them with technology-enabled business solutions appropriate for their needs. Address the technology cost base, benchmarking the spend and technology needs. Throughout the assignment, be mindful of succession planning and ensure the permanent state for DDT leadership is considered throughout. Put in place the skills, business processes, ways and working and technology to keep ARUK safe from cyber-crime and mitigate any reputational risks. Bring the outside in - monitor advancements in technology, educate organisation and wider staff groups in ways in which ARUK benefit from digital and technology enabled business solutions to drive income and core purpose. Build an appropriate risk framework, audit and corrective action process to help minimise business reputational risk and cost associated with the technology solutions.

Provide technology solutions to optimise the work environment, improve communications and collaboration and allow ARUK to work flexibly in ways that appeal to different generations, backgrounds and needs.

Leadership and people management

Role model and actively embed Alzheimer's Research UK values and behaviours across all activities, and champion the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Build and maintain a highly motivated and collaborative technology team with the appropriate skills to deliver the current and future technology needs. Thought leadership to the Executive Leadership Team on how digital and technology can help to deliver ARUK's strategy and goals including how digital can support income generation and operational efficiency with an ever-increasing scale. Increase digital awareness and cultivate digital literacy throughout the organisation. Build an appropriate external profile within the sector and beyond, to allow ARUK to be better informed of technology developments and to contribute to the advancement of technology in the sector. As a member of ARUK's Senior Leadership Team, make a clear and distinct contribution to the strategic direction and operational aims of the charity, and support collective decisions made, acting as an advocate to implement and embed them. Work collaboratively across all departments to communicate the strategy and operational plans to drive customer engagement and fundraising at all levels.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Proven senior leader with strong technology, data and digital experience. Evidence of having created and executed innovative and successful digital, data and technology strategies in sophisticated organisations which are considered digitally enabled. Experience of leading transformation, preferably with 'agile' and 'waterfall' methodologies to implement change. Familiar with current core technology practises: audience led, content driven, performant, accessible, device and channel neutrality, and dynamic personalisation. Proven success of achieving excellence in managing diverse teams, who are highly respected for their results, expertise and energy. Experience of managing and delivering against a significant annual budget. Experience of leading a department ensuring development through regular meetings, appraisals and identifying training needs. Experience of working as part of a senior management team and working closely with senior internal and external stakeholders. Exemplary leadership skills with both practical and short/long term strategic vision; ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels; strong team player. Excellent interpersonal skills - able to build rapport and demonstrate strong influencing, negotiation skills and decision-making skills; excellent listening skills - receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn. Creates, builds on and implements innovative ideas, finding creative ways to mitigate barriers. Has a strong external view informed by current market trends and developments. Forward thinking with a strategic view that looks to create sustainable and scalable strategies. Creates valuable networks within the technology sector and leverages these to capitalise on latest insights, practices etc. Has a passion for people and proactively nurtures talent, builds capability and ensures robust succession. Demonstrates and encourages ownership and responsibility; drive/motivation - has a "can-do" attitude and is committed to delivering results and strives for continuous improvement. A good blend of strategic and analytical thinking; innovative personality; able to see the bigger picture and set future direction. Excellent presentation skills and ability to react and manage short lead times. Ability to explain complex information to all stakeholders and present arguments logically. Highly motivated and target orientated. Experience of operating as a strategic thinker, as well as a creative and effective manager - of people and procedures. Ability to motivate a very busy team in a dynamic environment. Strong work ethic and a high level of personal integrity. Applies strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to build relationships and influence stakeholders internally and externally. Leads others to formulate solutions to complex problems. Demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach to managing change and ambiguity.


The closing date for applications is

2nd November

, with first stage interviews being held on the

12th

and

13th November

, in person, and second stage interviews being held week commencing

17th November

, in person. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.


There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer's Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development