Chief Executive

The Association of Directors of Public Health

Person specification

Chief Executive

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Education
and
qualifications

Educated to Masters level.

Evidence of continuing study in public health.

Senior management training or equivalent experience.

Evidence of continuing professional development.

MPH

MBA

Experience

At  least  five  years  working  in  public  health  including  policy
development.

Advocacy and campaigns.

Public speaking.

At  least  three  years  in  operational,  financial  and  resource
management.

Close working with local authorities, NHS and voluntary sector.

Working at national level across sectors and professions.

Working at Board level with proven strategic management.

Line management and recruitment.

Complex programme and project management.

Skills, ability
and
knowledge

Proven leadership skills.

Ability to work independently with Board level accountability.

Ability to develop strong networks.

Proven knowledge of the public health agenda and its local and
national political context.

Proven negotiating and influencing skills.

Knowledge of charity law
and governance.

Knowledge of governance
in the public sector.

Knowledge of corporate
issues in local authorities
and NHS.

Excellent written and oral communication and presentation
skills.

Core public health
competencies.

Qualities and
attributes

Professional and personal credibility at the highest level.

Understanding of political and cultural issues and ability to adapt
working practice to suit.

Enthusiastic, self-motivated and proactive with an innovative and
flexible approach to work and ability to work well under pressure.

Other
requirements

Travel throughout the UK will be expected and access to transport
is essential.

Flexibility – some evening and weekend work will be required.

Chief Executive PS, March 2026

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