JOB SUMMARY:  
As leader of the Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), a DC-10 aircraft converted into a state-of-the-art ophthalmic training facility, the FEH Director is a global ambassador and team leader, responsible for fostering both internal and external relationships.  He/she represents the ORBIS mission to dignitaries, local civic and business leaders and other prominent individuals around the world, as well as the general public, while administering all non-medical aspects of Flying Eye Hospital programs. The position requires up to 45 weeks of worldwide travel per year.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND SUPERVISORY ROLE:
The FEH Director reports to the Executive Director and CEO, and supervises all Flying Eye Hospital team members in their day-to-day roles. (Certain staff members have dual reporting relationships to other functional managers.)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

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• Promote the mission of ORBIS, and in conjunction with Flying Eye Hospital communications staff, plan and host public relations activities, including press conferences; act as a spokesperson with local and international media; interact with local business leaders, dignitaries, heads of state, government officials, diplomats and other VIPs, and welcome all visiting ORBIS colleagues and donors aboard the plane.
• Ensure that Flying Eye Hospital programs run smoothly and are always conducted in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Work with the Executive Director and Medical Director to secure invitations and plan future programs.
• Promote and nurture a very high level of Flying Eye Hospital team motivation and morale.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and hiring, and support new employee orientations, performance appraisals, staff development, and terminations in coordination with the Human Resources staff.
• Ensure adequate long and short-term planning for all Flying Eye Hospital activities, collaborating with administrative, finance and aircraft operations staff, and complying with Operations policies and procedures.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget for all Flying Eye Hospital programs and ensure cost effectiveness.
• Serve as an active member of the ORBIS Safety Committee and Flying Eye Hospital Scheduling Committee.
• Lead by example, including by assisting in the regular cleaning, set-up and packing of the aircraft.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Management, Communications or similar degree.
• Minimum five (5) years experience in the international development sector, including supervisory experience.
• Significant media and/or public relations experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Superior leadership, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), especially in a multi-cultural setting.
• Team oriented work style, with a pro-active, open-minded, and flexible approach.
• Tolerance to stress and travel, and ability to function well in a demanding, fast-paced work environment.
• Hard working, independent, detail-oriented and self-starter attitude with a poised and mature demeanor.
• High degree of computer literacy (Windows XP, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and the Internet).
• Fluency in English – working knowledge of a second language is a plus.   
• Ability to travel to developing countries up to 45 weeks a year – including no significant disqualifying factors which would preclude approval of entry visas in the countries on the Flying Eye Hospital travel schedule.

To apply for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter to HR@orbis.org.