Chief Executive Officer job at Uganda Marketers Society

Description

The CEO is the Society’s chief executive and head of the Secretariat. The role leads the day-to-day management of UMS, translates Board-approved strategy, policies and objectives into annual plans and measurable results, and is accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, member value, people leadership, risk management, compliance and reputation. In the additional capacity of Company Secretary, the CEO ensures that the Board and its Committees receive timely, accurate and compliant governance support.

Principal Responsibilities

1.0 Strategy Execution and Organizational Performance

• Translate the Board-approved strategy into a costed annual work plan, operating budget, management scorecard and clear team accountabilities for Board approval.
• Lead disciplined implementation of approved priorities, monitor delivery and take timely corrective action where performance is off track.
• Provide evidence-based advice, options and recommendations to support Board strategy reviews and decision-making, while respecting the Board’s approval role.
• Maintain an integrated organizational dashboard covering strategy, finance, membership, programs, partnerships, people, risk and Board actions.
• Horizon-scan changes affecting the marketing profession, members and UMS, and recommend responsive initiatives or policy changes to the Board.

1.1 Board, Governance and Company Secretary Support

• Work with the Chairperson to plan the annual Board calendar, prepare focused agendas and ensure meetings are supported by complete and timely information.
• Take responsibility for the quality and timely submission of Board and Committee papers, including executive summaries, implications, risks and clear recommendations capable of adoption as resolutions.
• Formally communicate Board resolutions, maintain accurate minutes and statutory records, and keep a Board resolution and action register showing owners, deadlines and implementation status.
• Ensure compliance with the Constitution, Board Charter, Companies Act, statutory filing requirements, approved governance policies and the Delegation of Authority Framework.
• Support Board and Committee induction, evaluation, succession and governance processes, and facilitate effective information flow between Management and the Board.
• Delegate administrative governance tasks where appropriate while remaining accountable for their accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and compliance.

1.2 Membership Growth, Engagement and Value

• Lead execution of Board-approved membership growth and retention strategies across individual, student, corporate and other approved membership categories.
• Maintain a compelling, differentiated and financially viable member value proposition informed by member data, research and regular feedback.
• Ensure effective member acquisition, onboarding, renewal, engagement, service and complaints-resolution processes, supported by accurate membership records.
• Track and report membership performance, including growth, retention, engagement, diversity, satisfaction, payment status and participation in UMS programmes.
• Build active member communities and pathways that support professionals at different career stages and strengthen belonging to UMS.

1.3 Professional Standards, Programmes and Thought Leadership

• Oversee delivery of the Society’s approved portfolio of professional development, CPD, certification, research, events, awards and other member programmes.
• Safeguard the credibility of UMS professional standards, designations, accreditation pathways and ethical expectations, in collaboration with relevant partners and Board Committees.
• Build an evidence-led thought leadership agenda that positions UMS as an authoritative voice on marketing practice, business performance and national development.
• Ensure every programme has a clear business case, target audience, delivery plan, budget, risk assessment and outcome measures.
• Use member and market insight to improve the relevance, accessibility, quality and commercial sustainability of the programme portfolio.

1.4 Financial Leadership and Institutional Sustainability

• Lead annual budgeting, multi-year forecasting, cash-flow planning and resource allocation in line with the approved strategy and Board timetable.
• Manage income, expenditure, assets, procurement and contractual commitments within approved budgets, policies and delegated thresholds.
• Develop sustainable and appropriately diversified income from membership, programmes, partnerships, sponsorships, training, research and other Board-approved sources.
• Ensure complete and accurate accounting records, timely management accounts, statutory obligations, audit readiness and effective follow-up of audit or control findings.
• Protect liquidity, value for money and organisational assets, and promptly escalate significant variances, commitments, losses or threats to sustainability.

1.5 People Leadership, Operations and Organisational Capability

• Lead, manage, coach and evaluate all Management and Secretariat staff, creating a values-led, inclusive, ethical and high-performance culture.
• Establish clear job descriptions, annual objectives, service standards and performance reviews for every staff member, aligned to the approved plan and budget.
• Recruit, deploy, develop and, where necessary, discipline staff within the Board-approved structure, HR policies, labour law and delegated authority.
• Strengthen systems, operating procedures, technology, data management, records, cybersecurity, business continuity and service delivery across the Secretariat.
• Maintain an effective management rhythm, including planning, performance reviews, issue escalation and coordinated support to Board Committees.

1.6 Risk, Compliance, Ethics and Internal Control

• Maintain a current enterprise risk register covering strategic, operational, financial, legal, compliance, technology and reputational risks.
• Implement Board-approved risk, safeguarding, data-protection, conflict-of-interest, ethics, anti-fraud and other control frameworks across the Society.
• Ensure early identification, mitigation and escalation of material risks, control failures, ethical concerns or statutory breaches.
• Support independent assurance and audit activities, preserve their access and independence, and ensure timely Management responses and corrective action.
• Embed transparent decision-making, appropriate documentation and accountable use of UMS funds, information and assets.

1.7 Stakeholder Leadership, Partnerships and Reputation

• Manage UMS relationships with members, employers, government and regulators, academia, professional bodies, regional and international networks, sponsors, media and service providers in line with approved strategy.
• Develop, negotiate and manage partnerships that deliver measurable member, professional, institutional and financial value while meeting ethical and reputational standards.
• Serve as the authorised spokesperson for Management; coordinate public communications and advocacy, while the Chairperson speaks for the Board.
• Represent UMS credibly in relevant forums and strengthen recognition of marketing’s contribution to organisational performance and national development.
• Protect the Society’s brand, confidential information and public standing, including through disciplined issue and crisis management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Management, Communications, Economics or a closely related field.
• A recognized professional marketing qualification, such as CIM or an equivalent credential.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as an MBA, MPA or MSc, is desirable.
• Formal training or a recognized qualification in corporate governance or company secretarial practice is desirable.
• At least seven years of progressive leadership experience, including a minimum of three years in a senior management or executive role with responsibility for people, budgets and organizational results.
• Demonstrated experience translating strategy into annual plans, budgets, scorecards and measurable outcomes.
• Strong experience working with a Board or equivalent governing body, including preparing decision-quality papers and operating within delegated authority.
• Proven financial management, commercial development, partnership-building and resource-mobilization capability.
• Experience in a membership-based, professional, industry or not-for-profit organization is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the Ugandan business, marketing, regulatory and stakeholder environment is strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic execution: Converts direction into disciplined priorities, plans, resources and measurable results.
• Association and member leadership: Understands member value, community-building and the dynamics of a professional body.
• Governance judgement: Maintains clear Board-Management boundaries, respects delegated authority and provides sound governance support.
• Financial and commercial acumen: Balances purpose, member value and sustainable income with strong controls and value for money.
• People leadership: Builds capable teams, sets clear expectations, coaches performance and creates an ethical, inclusive culture.
• Stakeholder influence: Builds trust and productive relationships across business, government, academia, partners, members and media.
• Communication and advocacy: Communicates with authority and judgement, distils complexity and represents UMS credibly.
• Risk and operational discipline: Anticipates issues, strengthens systems and acts promptly on performance, compliance and reputation risks.
• Digital and data orientation: Uses technology, evidence and insight to improve decisions, member experience and organizational efficiency.
• High integrity, discretion & personal accountability.
• Member-centered, service-oriented and commercially pragmatic.

• Translate the Board-approved strategy into a costed annual work plan, operating budget, management scorecard and clear team accountabilities for Board approval.
• Lead disciplined implementation of approved priorities, monitor delivery and take timely corrective action where performance is off track.
• Provide evidence-based advice, options and recommendations to support Board strategy reviews and decision-making, while respecting the Board’s approval role.
• Maintain an integrated organizational dashboard covering strategy, finance, membership, programs, partnerships, people, risk and Board actions.
• Horizon-scan changes affecting the marketing profession, members and UMS, and recommend responsive initiatives or policy changes to the Board.
• Work with the Chairperson to plan the annual Board calendar, prepare focused agendas and ensure meetings are supported by complete and timely information.
• Take responsibility for the quality and timely submission of Board and Committee papers, including executive summaries, implications, risks and clear recommendations capable of adoption as resolutions.
• Formally communicate Board resolutions, maintain accurate minutes and statutory records, and keep a Board resolution and action register showing owners, deadlines and implementation status.
• Ensure compliance with the Constitution, Board Charter, Companies Act, statutory filing requirements, approved governance policies and the Delegation of Authority Framework.
• Support Board and Committee induction, evaluation, succession and governance processes, and facilitate effective information flow between Management and the Board.
• Delegate administrative governance tasks where appropriate while remaining accountable for their accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and compliance.
• Lead execution of Board-approved membership growth and retention strategies across individual, student, corporate and other approved membership categories.
• Maintain a compelling, differentiated and financially viable member value proposition informed by member data, research and regular feedback.
• Ensure effective member acquisition, onboarding, renewal, engagement, service and complaints-resolution processes, supported by accurate membership records.
• Track and report membership performance, including growth, retention, engagement, diversity, satisfaction, payment status and participation in UMS programmes.
• Build active member communities and pathways that support professionals at different career stages and strengthen belonging to UMS.
• Oversee delivery of the Society’s approved portfolio of professional development, CPD, certification, research, events, awards and other member programmes.
• Safeguard the credibility of UMS professional standards, designations, accreditation pathways and ethical expectations, in collaboration with relevant partners and Board Committees.
• Build an evidence-led thought leadership agenda that positions UMS as an authoritative voice on marketing practice, business performance and national development.
• Ensure every programme has a clear business case, target audience, delivery plan, budget, risk assessment and outcome measures.
• Use member and market insight to improve the relevance, accessibility, quality and commercial sustainability of the programme portfolio.
• Lead annual budgeting, multi-year forecasting, cash-flow planning and resource allocation in line with the approved strategy and Board timetable.
• Manage income, expenditure, assets, procurement and contractual commitments within approved budgets, policies and delegated thresholds.
• Develop sustainable and appropriately diversified income from membership, programmes, partnerships, sponsorships, training, research and other Board-approved sources.
• Ensure complete and accurate accounting records, timely management accounts, statutory obligations, audit readiness and effective follow-up of audit or control findings.
• Protect liquidity, value for money and organisational assets, and promptly escalate significant variances, commitments, losses or threats to sustainability.
• Lead, manage, coach and evaluate all Management and Secretariat staff, creating a values-led, inclusive, ethical and high-performance culture.
• Establish clear job descriptions, annual objectives, service standards and performance reviews for every staff member, aligned to the approved plan and budget.
• Recruit, deploy, develop and, where necessary, discipline staff within the Board-approved structure, HR policies, labour law and delegated authority.
• Strengthen systems, operating procedures, technology, data management, records, cybersecurity, business continuity and service delivery across the Secretariat.
• Maintain an effective management rhythm, including planning, performance reviews, issue escalation and coordinated support to Board Committees.
• Maintain a current enterprise risk register covering strategic, operational, financial, legal, compliance, technology and reputational risks.
• Implement Board-approved risk, safeguarding, data-protection, conflict-of-interest, ethics, anti-fraud and other control frameworks across the Society.
• Ensure early identification, mitigation and escalation of material risks, control failures, ethical concerns or statutory breaches.
• Support independent assurance and audit activities, preserve their access and independence, and ensure timely Management responses and corrective action.
• Embed transparent decision-making, appropriate documentation and accountable use of UMS funds, information and assets.
• Manage UMS relationships with members, employers, government and regulators, academia, professional bodies, regional and international networks, sponsors, media and service providers in line with approved strategy.
• Develop, negotiate and manage partnerships that deliver measurable member, professional, institutional and financial value while meeting ethical and reputational standards.
• Serve as the authorised spokesperson for Management; coordinate public communications and advocacy, while the Chairperson speaks for the Board.
• Represent UMS credibly in relevant forums and strengthen recognition of marketing’s contribution to organisational performance and national development.
• Protect the Society’s brand, confidential information and public standing, including through disciplined issue and crisis management.

• Strategic execution
• Association and member leadership
• Governance judgement
• Financial and commercial acumen
• People leadership
• Stakeholder influence
• Communication and advocacy
• Risk and operational discipline
• Digital and data orientation
• High integrity, discretion & personal accountability
• Member-centered, service-oriented and commercially pragmatic

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Management, Communications, Economics or a closely related field.
• A recognized professional marketing qualification, such as CIM or an equivalent credential.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as an MBA, MPA or MSc, is desirable.
• Formal training or a recognized qualification in corporate governance or company secretarial practice is desirable.
• At least seven years of progressive leadership experience, including a minimum of three years in a senior management or executive role with responsibility for people, budgets and organizational results.
• Demonstrated experience translating strategy into annual plans, budgets, scorecards and measurable outcomes.
• Strong experience working with a Board or equivalent governing body, including preparing decision-quality papers and operating within delegated authority.
• Proven financial management, commercial development, partnership-building and resource-mobilization capability.
• Experience in a membership-based, professional, industry or not-for-profit organization is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the Ugandan business, marketing, regulatory and stakeholder environment is strongly preferred.