Executive Director – Public Health

El Paso County’s Board of Public Health is seeking a seasoned, principled leader to serve as the Executive Director – Public Health, guiding this department through a period of growth, change, and renewed commitment to community well-being. This role requires a strong strategic vision, grounded in public service values, and the ability to lead with resilience, humility, and a deep respect for the people and systems that make public health work. 

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience navigating complex political and governmental environments, particularly in managing large-scale public budgets with transparency and accountability. This leader will be responsible for aligning fiscal strategy with public health priorities, while effectively collaborating with board members, elected officials, county leadership, and diverse community stakeholders. 

Equally important is a commitment to strengthening and empowering the public health workforce. The Executive Director will set clear expectations, promote a culture of accountability and excellence, and prioritize professional development to support and sustain a high-performing team. This is a highly visible and impactful role that requires steady leadership, sound judgment, and a genuine passion for serving others – especially during times of challenge and change. 

If you are a collaborative, mission-driven leader with the perseverance to navigate complexity and the humility to lead through service, we invite you to apply! 

This position is responsible for the direction and administration of El Paso County Public Health, including performance of all powers and duties vested in or imposed upon the El Paso County Public Health Director and/or El Paso County Public Health by Part 5 of Article 1 of Title 25, C.R.S.  This position is selected by and serves at the pleasure of the El Paso County Board of Health.

• Administers and enforces the public health laws of the State of Colorado, the public health orders, rules, and standards of the State Board of Health and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the orders and rules of the El Paso County Board of Health.
• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, evaluates, and provides administrative oversight of a variety of public health programs, including environmental, laboratory, communicable disease control, maternal and child health, vital statistics, public health education and promotion, medical clinic supervision, and epidemiology. Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for public health services.
• Directs resources needed to develop and carry out the El Paso County Public Health plan.
• Studies public health needs of El Paso County by reviewing reports and statistics, personal observation, discussion, and special surveys; advises the Board of Health, other officials, and voluntary agencies regarding matters pertaining to public health; acts as the local registrar of vital statistics; and, maintains liaison with other public health officials, private physicians, and other individuals and organizations to achieve public health goals.
• Acts to protect the public's health during natural disasters or enemy attacks. Investigates and controls epidemic diseases or arranges for such professional services.
• On behalf of the Board of Health, accepts, uses, disburses, and administers all federal and state funds or other property, services, or money allotted to Public Health; prepares and administers an annual budget; and establishes fees for services rendered by Public Health.
• Researches policy issues and interprets policies; makes recommendations to the Board of Health; ensures proper implementation of all the policies, orders, resolutions, regulations, budgets, and other programs adopted by the Board of Health; and manages projects of El Paso County Public Health.
• Directs and reviews public information efforts for Public Health, including the preparation of media materials, press releases, and presentations to health organizations and the general public; and, responds to public relations situations and requests for information from private citizens.
• Holds hearings, administers oaths, subpoena witnesses, and takes testimony when required in performance of duty.
• Serves as the secretary to the Board of Health.
• Provides direct health education services, including talks to community groups about health, health problems, and the public; and joins and works with a variety of organizations and agencies to promote public health goals.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive public health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification requires managing and monitoring work performance of a department including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work and staffing assignments for the department.
 
Supervision Received: Receives minimal and broad direction. This classification typically performs job duties with broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices. End results determine the effectiveness of job performance.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of leadership, management, administration, and communication theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Health policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of current public health theory and practice; considerable knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations governing public health administration.
• Written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to exercise these skills in both group and individual settings; and, ability to present complex public health principles and issues in ways that can be understood by policy makers and the public.
• Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Financial management skills; knowledge of practices and procedures for planning and formulating the Public Health budget and monitoring related expenses.
• Skill in using a personal computer and various software packages including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate, motivate and organize projects among a broad spectrum of personnel, frequently under deadline pressure.
• Ability to establish, develop, and sustain key working relationships with a variety of local, state, and regional organizations ranging from local governments to regulatory agencies to community-based organizations. Ability to influence public health policy at various levels of government.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact on Public Health.
• Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports to meet Public Health objectives.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to perform under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
• Ability and willingness to respond to sensitive situations twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and to be available through the use of electronic media.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved medical school or a master's degree in a public health discipline such as environmental health, health education, epidemiology, health administration/policy, biostatistics, nursing, public administration, health administration, or a closely related discipline.

• Five years, within the past ten years, of successful and responsible administrative experience in public health or a closely related field, including at least two years experience in supervising public health professionals.
• The Board of Health may substitute year for year professional public health work experience for the academic requirements or exceptional academic preparation for the experience requirements, subject to review by the State Board of Health.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• If a Physician Director:
  • Must be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Colorado within six months of employment.
• If a Nurse Director:
  • Must be licensed to practice in the State of Colorado within six months of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment; some travel may be required. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date.
 
The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

Salary : $187,010 - $261,810