ISBT Central Office
The ISBT Central Office is located in the centre of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With eight full-time colleagues and one part-time colleague we:
- Provide administrative and organisational support for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Manage membership matters.
- Coordinate International and Regional Congresses.
- Facilitate content creation for ISBT Education.
- Support the Standing Committees and Working Parties.
- Edit and arrange for the distribution of ISBT's quarterly magazine Transfusion Today.
- Operate as System Administrator for the ISBT website.
Apply to be the next Executive Director of ISBT
The Board of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) is seeking a successor to the Executive Director to lead our organization into the future.
The ISBT is a global network of professionals working in transfusion medicine and cellular therapy. Since its founding in 1935, ISBT has grown to include members from around 120 countries. Our vision is to improve the safety, sufficiency and appropriate use of transfusion and cellular therapies worldwide. We do this through collaboration with 17 expert working parties, partnerships with affiliate societies, and our official relationship with the World Health Organization as a non state actor. ISBT is committed to advancing research, education and best practices in the field, and advocating for blood donors and patients, and effective blood systems. Working in ISBT means becoming part of a diverse and dedicated community making a meaningful global impact.
After six years of dedicated service, our current Executive Director, Jenny White, will be stepping down in 2026. Under Jenny's leadership, ISBT has navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully held both online and in-person congresses, expanded our central office and digital presence, and implemented significant changes to our IT systems and publications. Jenny's contributions have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed. There will be a transition period until the end of June 2026 for handover with the new Executive Director who will be in post from April 1, 2026.
The Executive Director of ISBT plays a crucial role in the organization and is based at the ISBT central office in Amsterdam. The key responsibilities of the position, as outlined in the attached job description, include:
- Representing ISBT globally
- Effectively managing all ISBT activities and staff
- Accountability to the ISBT Board of Directors (Executive Committee and nine Regional Directors), for the corporate governance and overall management of ISBT
- Ensuring the successful implementation of Society activities and policies as outlined in the strategic plan
- Administering ISBT publications and education
- Maintaining relationships with individual members, affiliate societies, external organizations, and corporate partners
- Overseeing support for ISBT working parties
- Supervising the organization of ISBT congresses in partnership with a professional congress organizer
The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English. They should have a positive and proactive attitude, along with diplomatic skills and sensitivity to cultural differences and political relations.
Candidates must have tertiary qualifications in science or medicine relevant to transfusion, along with substantial experience working in a blood transfusion and/or cell therapy environment. Experience in management within a professional organization involving healthcare, blood transfusion services, or academia is essential. Broad experience and knowledge of strategic management and organizational processes are key attributes. Experience of management in an organization with an executive (non-supervisory) board and of working with a membership organization would be advantageous. A tertiary qualification in business management and a track record of involvement and contribution to the ISBT mission and activities are desirable but not essential.
The successful candidate must be willing and able to be based in Amsterdam and to travel extensively worldwide.
If you are interested in applying, please provide a letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this role, along with your Curriculum Vitae and the names and contact information for three references.
Any questions directed to: [email protected] with the subject line: Executive Director Application
The closing date for applications is 1200h CET, September 30, 2025.
Remuneration will be commensurate with the qualifications of the applicant and the responsibilities of the post. Salary range and benefits are consistent with those of Executive Director positions in similar organizations and will be provided to short-listed candidates. A relocation allowance will be provided to the successful candidate.
The term of the contract is for five years (renewable) with a three-month handover period.
Job Description
- Background
ISBT is an international community of professionals sharing knowledge to enhance transfusion practice. It was founded in 1935 and brings together around 2000 professionals and 35 affiliate societies involved in transfusion and cellular therapy from 120 countries.
Vision: A world of safe, sufficient and appropriately used blood
Mission: To advance transfusion medicine worldwide through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and research.
Core values
- Global & compassionate engagement
- Donor & patient centered
- Excellence in science & knowledge transfer
- Ethical, equitable & inclusive
ISBT is governed by a Board of Directors and Executive Committee, all of whom are nominated and elected by the members. The Board has regional directors representing the six WHO regions. The ISBT Executive committee comprises the ISBT President, Past President, President Elect, two Vice Presidents, the Secretary General and the Treasurer.
- Job Overview
The Executive Director is responsible for the effective management of all ISBT activities and the ISBT office and has overall authority to do this.
The Executive Director:
- Executes policies and priorities established by the President and the Board
- Provides effective management of the ISBT Central Office, liaising with the Board of Directors and membership to ensure the delivery of policies and strategic goals.
- Monitors and facilitates effective functioning of the ISBT Academy, education, working party activity, communications and marketing.
- Represents and promotes ISBT as a professional society to provide opportunities for generating, disseminating and implementing knowledge, and advocacy for blood donors, patients and effective blood systems.
- Builds and maintains effective and strategic collaborations with partners, including affiliate societies, corporate partners and organisations in special relations with ISBT.
- Maintains ISBT’s relationship with WHO as a Non-state Actor.
- Coordinates all aspects of the ISBT Congresses and monitors the performance of the ISBT Professional Congress Organiser (PCO).
- Represents ISBT at international events and congresses, giving presentations, participating in panel discussions and meetings as required.
- Maintains financial control within ISBT Standard Financial Instructions and the scope set by the Board of Directors.
- Acts to protect the reputation of ISBT, its core values and scientific independence.
- Accountability
The Executive Director works closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and is ultimately accountable to the ISBT President.
- Main Duties
Management of ISBT Central Office
- Manage the ISBT central office activities and staff, including recruitment, supervision, hybrid working, human resources, regular performance monitoring and review.
- Develop, monitor and maintain standard procedures and policies.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with the ISBT core values, statutes and bylaws.
- Enable and enhance ISBT office efficiency and ISBT’s digital presence with implementation of new technology.
- Monitor the finances of the Society including the annual budget, which is reviewed periodically by the Treasurer and the Board of Directors.
- Review and authorise payments as detailed in the ISBT Standing Financial Instructions.
- Provide appropriate support to the ISBT Foundation.
- Manage tender procedures for new contracts, contract renewals and monitor the services provided.
- Oversee management of the ISBT Blood Group Allele database.
- Manage relationships with Corporate Partners and other commercial organisations with an interest in transfusion, in accordance with ISBT core values and with direction from the Executive Committee.
- Ensure that all communications from ISBT Central Office are in line with ISBT strategy, policy and core values.
- Ensure that the ISBT Central Office (CO) complies with European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant data sharing legislation.
ISBT Governance
- Maintain regular communication with board members, keeping them informed of activities and developments.
- Prepare Board and Executive committee meetings including compilation of the agenda and supporting papers and ensuring provision of minutes.
- Ensure quarterly financial reports are available to the Board of Directors.
- Supervise the drafting of the annual budget for review by the Treasurer.
- Monitor and control the fulfillment by ISBT of all legal and fiscal requirements
- Supervise the compilation of the annual report.
- Oversee the timely conduct of the annual General Assembly and provide an annual summary of activities for the Executive committee to report to members.
- Organise the biennial elections for vacant positions for the Executive committee and Board of Directors.
- Maintain regular contact with Working Party and Standing Committee chairpersons, advising on procedures and governance, ensuring timely reports and compliance with budgets.
Management of Strategic Development and Policy Making
- Develop and monitor the ISBT strategic plan in conjunction with the Board of Directors.
- Ensure all ISBT activities including those of Working Parties and Standing Committees are of a standard and quality aligned with ISBT’s strategy, by effective project planning and management.
- Ensure communications support for ISBT’s strategic plan.
Development and Maintenance of External Relations
- Provide regular reports to WHO, manage the ISBT - WHO triennial workplan and manage WHO requests for assistance.
- Maintain effective relationships with existing and potential partners, including affiliate societies, corporate partners and organisations in special relations with ISBT.
- Represent ISBT at international events and congresses, giving presentations, participating in panel discussions and meetings as required.
- Monitor Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements with external organisations and manage collaborations / joint activities.
- Initiate and take part in activities with partner organisations as appropriate.
- Collaborate with Wiley on the operation and strategic direction of the ISBT journal, Vox Sanguinis.
- Exploit opportunities to advance the mission, vision and values of ISBT.
Planning and Monitoring of ISBT Congresses and Educational Activities
- Ensure effective planning and delivery of all aspects of ISBT Congresses including the bidding procedure, delivery of congresses and associated meetings, and financial outcomes.
- Ensure regular contact with the Local Organising Committee at Regional and International congresses and monitor progress.
- Monitor the timely development of the scientific program in collaboration with the ISBT Scientific Secretary and Chair of the ISBT Academy Standing Committee.
- Monitor and manage the performance of the professional conference organiser (PCO).
- Support and monitor the delivery of educational events organised by the ISBT Academy.
- Oversee ISBT digital educational activities such as webinars, live journal clubs, digital workshops.
Business Development
- Explore and implement new business opportunities for ISBT.
- Ensure regular contact with ISBT industry corporate partners, taking advantage of business development opportunities.
- Monitor the external international environment to ensure ISBT’s strategy and policies match with current and future developments.
- Use networking and contacts to maximise business development opportunities for ISBT.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
- Tertiary qualifications in science or medicine relevant to transfusion.
- Demonstrated diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively across diverse international and political contexts.
- Substantial experience working in a blood transfusion and/or cell therapy environment.
- Experience in managing an organisation with professionals in blood services / academia and or a healthcare environment.
- Experience with and knowledge of strategic/organisational processes and planning.
- Evidence of independent senior leadership within an organisation.
- Positive and pro-active attitude.
- Willingness and ability to be based full-time at ISBT Central Office in Amsterdam
DESIRABLE
- Tertiary qualification in business management.
- Track record of involvement with and contribution to ISBT mission and activities.
Contact Details of the Central Office
Marnixstraat 317
1016 TB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7601 760
Email: [email protected]
The ISBT Team
Jenny White
Jenny has a background in biomedical science and worked both in the English National Blood Service and as a hospital transfusion laboratory manager before specialising in External Quality Assessment (EQA). Jenny’s work with the UK EQA scheme (UK NEQAS), most recently as Director, has given her a great opportunity to get involved in many different aspects of transfusion medicine and leadership both within and outside of the UK.
Mildred Kada
I have worked in different enviroments namely, financial, hospitality and customer services with a focus on administration and office management. I have a Bachelors degree in Business Administration which I obtained in Zimbabwe and have since worked in Zimbabwe, South Africa and now in The Netherlands. I am especially excited to now be working for ISBT. Together with the team we will ensure your membership experience runs smoothly.
Dont hesitate to get in touch with your questions. See you at the next congress..!
Ralph Zepeda
I started my finance career over 30 years ago in the United States. I moved to the Netherlands 25 years ago and have had the pleasure of working for a variety of companies big and small. In January 2011 I was fortunate enough to cross paths with the ISBT and have been the finance manager ever since. The ISBT has great people and I enjoy working with the entire team. We are all here to serve so I urge you to contact me if there are any financial matters you would like to discuss.
Beatriz Galindo
I joined ISBT in March 2019 after gaining experience in dynamic projects within the entertainment and advertising sectors in The Netherlands and Spain. With a background in Graphic Design and Marketing, I focus on managing and promoting ISBT events such as congresses in Basel, Bangkok, Gothenburg, and Cape Town, along with virtual events, workshops, and webinars.
I've led initiatives in sponsorship, partnership, and advertising, including developing registration-boosting campaigns for ISBT congresses. I also collaborate on content creation for the ISBT social media and design promotional materials for various ISBT activities.
I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to ISBT's future endeavors. Feel free to reach out with any inquiries.
Eszter Herczenik
Until recently, I have been working as biomedical researcher. I obtained my PhD Degree from Utrecht University and I worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Sanquin Research in Amsterdam as well as at the University Medical Center in Utrecht. As a researcher, I investigated blood cells, blood coagulation factors and the underlying pathological mechanisms of haemophilia.
If you have any questions or suggestions about any scientific topics related to ISBT website, working parties or ISBT congresses, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you at one of ISBT’s meetings or congresses.
Caroline Hochheuser
I have a background in biomedical sciences and will soon obtain my PhD degree in Pediatric Oncology from Utrecht University, NL. My passion for creating educational content, connecting people, and managing projects led me to pursue a path outside of Academia, and that’s how I transitioned into the position as Science and Education officer at ISBT. I am in charge of activities of the ISBT Academy, such as managing the applications for financial support, creating eLearning content and supporting webinars. Next to that, I am the curator of the newly established blood group database and thus work closely with the Working Party of Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Cell Terminology.
I’m happy to be welcomed into the field of blood transfusion with open arms, and look forward to connecting with you all at the ISBT congresses and virtually.
Maro Markozani
Although my studies began in Communications, I transitioned to a career spanning over 10 years in hospitality, during which I earned a certificate in hotel management. Recently, I decided to shift my focus to project management and obtained a work certificate in that field. This new path brought me to ISBT, where I joined as the Office Manager and Executive Support. I am the newest member of the team and very enthusiastic about this new chapter!
Ava MacPherson
After studying my bachelors in English Literature and Creative Writing in Manchester, I worked primarily as a creative in a number of different indstries from art, NGOs to electric bikes.
I came to Amsterdam to study my masters in New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam and split my time between working in communications and working as a freelance writer and editor for a number of different organisations.
