Role title: Congress Secretary
Accountable to: BSI Board
Responsible for: BSI Congress programme and planning
Scope and purpose
The Congress Secretary leads on and coordinates development of the scientific content of the BSI Congress, and chairs the Congress Committee.
General responsibilities
The Congress Secretary will work closely with the Board, BSI staff and the Chief Executive to develop the scientific programme for the BSI Congress, chair the Congress Committee, and oversee the call for session proposals. He/she will coordinate the selection and timetabling of parallel, plenary and additional sessions, communicating with speakers and organisers via the BSI team.
Duties of the Congress Secretary
- To chair the Congress Committee meetings (3-4 per year) in an effective and efficient manner.
- To lead on the development of the scientific content of the BSI Congress.
- To consider and assess the breadth, depth and impact of Congress, working closely with the Congress Committee, the Board and BSI staff to identify gaps, and explore new opportunities for further development of the programme.
- To consult with the Deputy CEO, PCO and Treasurer on the budget for Congress, and with the deputy CEO and PCO regarding general arrangements.
- To partner with organisations as appropriate for joint sessions and meetings (e.g. UKPIN, EFIS members).
- To listen to members’ needs relating to Congress attendance/topics/registration.
- To coordinate input or contribute to the ECI and ICI scientific programmes as appropriate.
- To chair specialist sub-groups where needed in specific areas e.g. abstract review.
- To attend the AGM and one Board meeting a year, to report on Congress.
- Together with the CEO/deputy CEO, to coordinate recruitment of new Congress Committee members, following an open call to the membership.
Congress Secretary Person Specification
- The appointee must be a full member of the BSI.
- He/she must have an excellent overview of key areas of and developments in immunology.
- Detailed knowledge of the work of key research programmes and their leaders.
- Experience as a member of a Scientific Programme Committee.
- He/she must be willing to contribute to the BSI’s strategic vision.
- High levels of credibility and respect in immunological communities.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with BSI staff and external partners.
- Willingness to lead on the generation of ideas and their development, with support from BSI staff.