Associate Director of Policy and Health Strategy

Closing Date: 1st September 2024

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing and influential charity on a 12 month fixed–term contract (maternity cover) in a senior leadership role. 

We’re looking for an experienced health, social care and public policy leader to inspire Parkinson’s UK’s policy, campaigns, education, professional engagement and service improvement and grants teams, working with colleagues across the External Relations directorate to develop our staff to their full potential.

About the role 

You’ll inspire, challenge and lead the Policy & Health Strategy teams to improve public services for people with Parkinson’s - across areas such as timely access to high quality NHS services, access to medications, access to research opportunities, and improved benefits and employment support. You’ll work closely with people affected by Parkinson’s, health care professionals and other partners to influence decision makers across Whitehall, Westminster and local health systems. 

You’ll oversee an annual budget of around £5 million, and a team of 45 people.

Please follow this link, or open the attachment on our website to see the team!

This role is offered on a 12 month fixed-term contract for maternity cover. 

What you’ll do:  

• Create an environment in which the Parkinson’s Excellence Network flourishes, working closely with the Clinical Leadership Team, developing the Network to drive up standards of care for people with Parkinson’s. 
• Work with the Director of External Relations to carve out new areas of influence over decision makers, nationally and locally, to improve public services for people with Parkinson’s.
• Ensure that the voice of people affected by Parkinson’s is at the core of our policy, campaigning, service improvement and professional education work, and help amplify their needs in the media as a spokesperson.
• Position the Excellence Network as sector leading with key decision makers in health and social care, maximise funding opportunities and embed the Network and Parkinson’s UK services as key partners in the health and social care sector. 

What you’ll bring:

• Authentic and inspirational leader who successfully motivates teams and a strategic thinker with proven experience of translating concepts into practice. 
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to position yourself as an opinion leader within relevant communities. You will ideally have experience as a media spokesperson or be open to media training and opportunities.
• Substantial leadership experience in health and social care or public policy, and in developing professional networks and partnerships to support improvements in care and services. 
• In-depth understanding of the landscape of health and social care delivery, education and workforce development across the UK, and of the digital health innovation landscape and how it can be used to lever change.

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

As well as flexible working hours, this role is offered on a flexible contract giving you the opportunity to also work from home. You’ll be required to cover your own travel expenses to the office.

The interview for this role will be held in person on 20 September. To help prepare for the interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet (virtually) staff, people with Parkinson’s and health care professionals in w/c 09 September.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.