Public Health Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Under the general direction of the County Administrator, the Public Health Director provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for all programs, services, and operations of the County Health Department in support of the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Health. The director ensures public health initiatives comply with all applicable laws and align with county priorities. This role serves as the department's senior leader, overseeing personnel, fiscal management, program implementation, partnerships, and emergency preparedness and response.

Examples of Duties Essential Duties: Provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the health department, ensuring alignment with public health best practices, laws, and community needs. Direct and evaluate core program areas, including communicable disease, maternal and child health, emergency preparedness, Women Infants and Children (WIC), community health, and other health initiatives. Lead community health assessments and use data to guide program planning, improvement, and evaluation.

Oversee compliance with all applicable public health regulations, laws, and accreditation standards. Lead and coordinate public health emergency preparedness and response efforts with local, state, and federal partners. Develop and manage the departmental budget, including resource allocation, grant oversight, and fiscal accountability.

Supervise staff and oversee recruitment, performance management, and workforce planning. Serve as the department's primary representative in public meetings, media communications, and with community partners. Foster partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and governmental agencies to support public health initiatives.

Other Duties: Guide development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best practices. Monitor public health trends and outcomes to ensure programs remain effective and responsive. Oversee regulatory functions, including inspections, licensing, and enforcement activities.

Identify and pursue grant funding and alternative revenue sources. Promote community engagement through outreach, education, and communication strategies. Represent the department in regional and statewide coalitions and initiatives.

Prepare and present reports on public health status, program performance, and priorities. Perform other duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications Position Requirements: Bachelor's degree in public health, nursing, health sciences, or a related field required; Master of Public Health (MPH) preferred.

Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public health or a related field. Three (3) to five (5) years of supervisory or management experience preferred. Current Kansas Registered Nurse (RN) license is preferred.

Valid Kansas driver's license required. High school diploma or GED required. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of public health principles, administration, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including program compliance, accreditation, and reimbursement systems (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, third-party billing)

Knowledge of governmental operations, including county or municipal administration, budgeting, reporting, and documentation. Comprehensive knowledge of grant funding processes, including identifying opportunities, developing and submitting proposals aligned with organizational priorities, and managing budgets, expenditures, and compliance requirements. Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate staff and operations.

Demonstrated ability to support and lead staff by fostering professional growth through hands-on expertise, mentorship, and implementation of targeted professional development opportunities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present information, write reports and correspondence, and build collaborative relationships with staff, stakeholders, and the public. Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies, and instructions, and to analyze data and situations to support sound decision-making.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities. Adept at coordinating grant activities, tracking deliverables, preparing reports, and maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with funder requirements. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and apply them to budgeting and program management.

Proficiency in computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, internet browsers, social media platforms, and public health information systems. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work location(s) of the job: Indoors - Constantly.

Usually well lit, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. Outdoors - Occasionally Objectionable condition(s) found on the job: Computer Use - Constantly Driving/Travel - Occasional local travel, which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions. Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public.

Undesirable health and safety condition(s) under which employee must perform: Regularly exposed to highly contagious and communicable diseases and viruses Machines, Tools and/or Equipment Used: Basic office equipment to include computer, copy machine, fax machine, printer, telephone system. Physical characteristics/requirements of the job: Sit/Stand/Walk - Regularly Kneeling - Occasionally Crouching - Occasionally Using Fingers/hands - Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. Talking - Frequently Hearing - Frequently; noise level is usually moderate.

Seeing - Constantly Vision Abilities - close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Lifting/Moving - Occasionally; seldom lifting/moving a maximum weight of 20 pounds.