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Executive Search for Associations, Foundations, and National Networks

Organizations that shape public health priorities need more than strong credentials. They need executives and senior professionals who can navigate relationships, earn trust across sectors, understand the public health landscape, and translate strategy into meaningful action.

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The Public Health Network supports associations, foundations, membership organizations, coalitions, and national networks seeking talent for roles that require credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with boards, members, funders, partners, grantees, and diverse stakeholder groups.

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In many of these roles, success depends on influence as much as authority. Whether your organization is preparing for an executive transition, expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, or filling a role that requires both strategic perspective and relationship-centered execution, we bring structure, focus, and expertise to every search.

When the Role Carries Visibility and Influence

A critical hire often affects more than internal operations. The role may influence member engagement, funding relationships, policy priorities, public credibility, partnerships, and the organization’s ability to move their mission forward.

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These searches often require candidates who can:

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  • Represent an organization with credibility.

  • Build trust with members, funders, grantees, partners, or community stakeholders.

  • Translate strategy into action.

  • Communicate clearly across audiences.

  • Navigate complex relationships and competing priorities.

  • Strengthen internal systems while maintaining external momentum.

 

A strong search process helps clarify what the role requires before the organization begins evaluating candidates.

When Organizations Engage The Public Health Network

Our clients often reach out when a position is important, visible, specialized, or difficult to define.

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We may be a strong fit when:

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  • An executive transition requires a thoughtful and organized process.

  • A senior role will shape strategy, partnerships, programs, or operations.

  • The position requires public health credibility and strong external presence.

  • The candidate market is narrow or relationship-driven.

  • A board, CEO, HR team, or search committee needs support staying aligned.

  • The organization needs help clarifying the role before recruitment begins.

  • The search requires discretion, careful communication, or stakeholder sensitivity.

  • Internal capacity is limited and the search needs dedicated attention.

 

The goal is not simply to generate interest. We identify candidates with the judgment, credibility, and alignment needed to carry the responsibility of the position.

The Public Health Network supports searches across associations, foundations, coalitions, and public health networks, including:

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Executive and Organizational Positions

  • Chief Executive Officers

  • Executive Directors

  • Chief Operating Officers

  • Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents

  • Directors of Strategy, Administration, or Operations

 

Program, Policy, and Partnership

  • Program Directors

  • Policy and Advocacy Directors

  • Membership and Engagement Directors

  • Partnership and Coalition-Building

  • Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building

 

Foundation, Network, and Community-Building

  • Philanthropy and Grants Management

  • Community Engagement and Equity-Focused

  • Communications and Public Affairs

  • Research, Evaluation, and Learning

  • Specialized and hard-to-fill positions requiring targeted outreach

Structure for Shared Hiring Decisions

Searches in associations, foundations, and networks often involve multiple perspectives. A board may be focused on strategy and stewardship. A CEO may be looking for operational alignment. HR may need a fair, consistent process.  Members, funders, or partners may also shape expectations for the role.

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The Public Health Network helps bring structure to those conversations so decision-makers can stay aligned around the position, candidate criteria, timeline, communication, and final selection.

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Our role is to help your organization move through the search with clarity, focus, and confidence.

Ready to Hire?

Whether you are preparing for an executive transition, expanding your team, or filling a specialized role, we can help you think through the role, the market, and the path forward.

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