Head of Public Affairs

Overview

In this senior, leadership role you drive public affairs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to elevate dementia as a health and care priority. You will shape strategy, build senior relationships, and lead a team to translate evidence and lived experience into influential policy and political outcomes. The role blends strategic planning with rapid adaptation to political dynamics, delivering measurable impact. You’ll represent the organisation publicly and mobilise coalitions to accelerate change, while working remotely with occasional travel to London.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working
• learning programmes
• career development
• supportive culture
• agile working arrangements

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing public affairs team across the three nations
• Deliver an ambitious public affairs strategy with clear objectives and measures
• Drive urgency and sustained political prioritisation for dementia
• Identify political opportunities and tailor approaches to different institutions
• Prepare the organisation for elections, government changes, and significant political moments
• Position Alzheimer’s Society as a leading voice on dementia using evidence and lived experience
• Represent priorities through speeches, events, networks, and media activity, supporting senior spokespeople

Key requirements

• Substantial senior-level experience in public affairs, government relations or political influencing
• Ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders including politicians, civil servants, health and care leaders
• Track record translating evidence and lived experience into influencing strategies and engagement plans
• Good political judgement and prioritisation to identify opportunities and adapt strategy
• Effective leadership to drive delivery and motivate teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building across the organisation and external stakeholders

• collaborative
• influencing
• strategic prioritisation
• public affairs strategy
• stakeholder engagement
• policy analysis

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