International Research Event Lead

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Hours
37 hours per week

About the Organisation

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time and independence, and has no cure. Every day, we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.

About the role

We are seeking a senior-level professional with extensive experience of leading complex, high-profile international events or projects and in establishing robust governance, integrated delivery plans and budgets while coordinating cross-functional stakeholders to deliver work-class outcomes.

As our International Symposium Co-ordination Lead, and working closely with our Chief Scientist, you will take ownership of the planning and delivery of the annual International Symposium on ALS/MND, the flagship global research event delivered by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This is a unique opportunity for an International Symposium Co-ordination Lead to grow a world-leading event that drives collaboration, accelerates research, and strengthens the MND Association's global reputation. 

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of the International Symposium and act as point of accountability with the Sponsor for full delivery, providing leadership across planning, timelines, logistics, risk, delivery, and stakeholder coordination
• Own and manage the master project plan and integrated schedule; develop and maintain a unified symposium project plan covering all workstreams, including operations, scientific content workflows, abstracts, comms, sponsorship and onsite delivery, ensuring clarity of ownership.
• Lead strategic decision-making and governance, ensuring clear frameworks, escalation routes, and alignment with scientific decision-making led by the Chief Scientist. This role holds final approval for strategic venue decisions in consultation with the Sponsor.
• Provide strategic oversight of venue procurement, supplier contracting, and programme logistics, working in close partnership with the Future Symposium Planning Manager, who leads operational scoping, assessment, and negotiation activities.
• Oversee supplier performance - ensuring contractual compliance, delivery against expectations, and value for money.
• Co-ordinate cross-functional teams across the Association, bringing together internal Leadership and teams across the Association to ensure smooth, aligned, and consistent delivery
• Manage the Symposium operational budget and be accountable, along with the Sponsor, for forecasting, monitoring, reconciliation and reporting of the operational event budget in collaboration with the Future Symposium Planning Manager, Conference and Events Manager, International Symposium Programme Manager and Event Sponsorship and Fundraising Executive. Oversee contractual fulfilment of sponsorship packages and industry partnership commitments, supporting the Event Sponsorship and Fundraising Executive, who retains accountability for income.
• Lead evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement, including technological advances. Drive continuous improvement across all processes, systems, and documentation
• Champion clear processes and ways of working. Embed clear ownership across the project through RACI’s, decision-making, mapping of processes, reduced duplication, and improved ways of working.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Criteria:

• Significant senior experience leading flagship, high-quality, large‑scale, complex events preferably with an international scope.
• Demonstrable experience operating as the accountable lead for multi‑stream planning with significant budgets, managing multiple suppliers, internal and external stakeholders and interdependent workstreams.
• Significant experience of managing high-value contracts with a good understanding of supplier relationships and international venues, ensuring value for money, risk mitigation and compliance.
• A good understanding of data integrity, system ownership and compliance
• Experience leading and coordinating matrix teams across departments and levels.
• Formal programme/project qualification or significant project management experience.
• Expert project planning, timeline management and risk control.
• Strong understanding of event operations and logistics
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Skilled in budget management and financial control.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and process design.

Compensation & Benefits

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eye care, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to the Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Northampton office and remotely

How to apply

• Please apply via our website.
• To support an inclusive application process, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form. If you would like to apply via video or audio file, please send your recorded application, ensuring you cover the supporting statement aspect, to [email protected]

Interviews

• Once we have shortlisted candidates, we'll get in touch with all applicants to let you know if you've got to the next stage.

Policies

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, including employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

The information provided to the MND Association when applying for a vacancy will be treated in full accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The MND Association is committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold, whether you are a donor, volunteer, shopper, campaigner, or a person living with or affected by MND. For more information, visit the Privacy Policy.

Return to listing