Responsible for the overall operation and performance of the organisation, ensuring targets are met in the following areas:Service delivery, Training programmes, Advocacy, Research and CommunicationsFunding & FinanceInnovation & QualityPeople Management & LeadershipCorporate Governance & ComplianceStrategic DirectionOperational Management

* Providing leadership, direction and co-ordination of operational activities of the Association in line with our vision, mission and goals.* Implementing the objectives of the Association’s 5-year strategic plan; developing, implementing and monitoring annual operational plans; * Working with and reporting to the board of directors and board sub-committees* Building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders including medical professionals, public representatives, cause ambassadors and other voluntary groups.* Financial planning; resource allocation and monitoring of financial performance.* Representing the needs and voice of people with epilepsy to key decision makers on a range of advocacy issues including health service development, rights & entitlements, legislation and policy. * Working directly with members and people with epilepsy around specific advocacy issues.Key achievements* Managed the organisation’s rebranding process in 2012-2013, overseeing all aspects of the successful transition from ‘Brainwave’ to ‘Epilepsy Ireland’* Managed a number of national advocacy campaigns including those on the closure of Epilepsy Monitoring Units; the Accept No Substitute generic substitution campaign; the Epilepsy Manifesto

As Resources Manager, and a member of the senior management team reporting to the CEO, my key responsibilities were:* To lead, develop and manage Epilepsy Ireland’s fundraising activities, building relationships with supporters, setting direction and achieving annual targets to ensure that resources were available to meet operational and strategic objectives. * To manage the organisation’s external communications with key stakeholders, including our members, supporters, the media and the general public.* To manage the organisation’s epilepsy awareness raising activities, campaigns and events in order to increase public understanding of the nature of the condition. * To develop and lead Epilepsy Ireland’s research strategy, including the establishment of a funding scheme for Irish epilepsy researchers; to develop key relationships with medical/ scientific researchers and institutions; to increase the engagement of people with epilepsy in research activities; and work with other stakeholders in growing research capacity in Ireland.* To represent Epilepsy Ireland and the condition of epilepsy in external fora such as the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the Medical Research Charities Group and the Joint Epilepsy Council of the UK and Ireland.Key Achievements:Achievements:* Developed and implemented new fundraising strategy to ensure targets would be met during the recession. Aligned strategy with core fundraising competencies & resources and introduced range of new fundraising channels. * Established European/ International Epilepsy Day as flagship annual awareness-raising campaign focusing on key issues such as epilepsy myths, stigma and seizure first-aid. * Established the Epilepsy Ireland Research Funding Scheme, which has seen a €900,000 investment in Irish epilepsy research projects since 2010 and resulted in a number of internationally significant discoveries and publications.

Key Responsibilities included:* Implementation of charity’s 3-year strategic plan (2004-06). Development of 2007-2009 Strategic plan in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.* Managing all services and activities. Developing innovative new services and programmes and expanding the Association’s regional network. * Leading, supporting and developing staff team* Raising awareness of migraine and of the Association among health professionals and the public.* Financial management, budgeting; monthly management accounts; the production of statutory accounts; cost-control and the delivery of annual plans within budget. * Negotiating with statutory and other funders to fund the work of the Association. Overseeing fundraising operations and ensuring that fundraising targets were met.* Advocating for the development of specialist services in Ireland.* Working with the board to ensure effective governance of the organisation; board development.* Developing and maintaining partnerships and relationships with a variety of stakeholders.Achievements* Developed and introduced several new services including a Corporate Outreach programme, a Regional support group network, a Schools Awareness programme and the redevelopment of www.migraine.ie * Oversaw 70% increase in annual service user base (between 2004 and 2006). * Expanded work of the Association into Northern Ireland, working with the DHSSPSNI.* Led on the establishment of Ireland’s first ever public awareness campaign on the issue of Medication Overuse Headache, a joint partnership between the MAI, the HSE and the IPHA.* Developed several new sources of funding, increased HSE funding allocation* Achieved all annual income and expenditure targets * Member of steering group that established the European Headache Alliance and organised the inaugural European Migraine Day of Action in September 2006.

Responsibilities Included:* Design, construction and implementation of in-house Information System.* Production of quarterly Brainstorm magazine and a variety of publications on migraine.* Co-ordination of marketing, publicity and media activity. * Website design and management.* Co-ordination of awareness campaigns aimed at GP’s and pharmacists.* Organisation of seminars and events, including fundraising events.