Public Health Director

PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR

Montezuma County Public Health Department is seeking an experienced and community-minded Public Health Director to lead our rural health department and help shape the future of public health in our community.

This is an opportunity for a strong leader who understands that rural public health is about more than programs and policies- it is about people, relationships, prevention, access to care, and building a healthier community.

The Public Health Director provides overall leadership and direction for the health department, overseeing programs, personnel, budgets, grants, partnerships, and public health initiatives. The Director works closely with staff, community partners, healthcare providers, governmental agencies, and community members to identify needs and develop effective solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• A current licensed medical professional (MD, DO or RN e.g.) or;
• A master's degree in public health discipline such as environmental health, health education, epidemiology, health administration/policy, biostatistics, etc.; nursing, public administration, health administration or a closely related discipline; and
• Have five years out of 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.
• For education and experience the following substitution is allowed. A combination of related education and relevant experience totaling ten (10) years, will be considered. Credit for education in Public Health or a related field is based on the highest degree achieved (associates degree: 2 years, bachelor's degree: 4 years, master's degree: 6 years, Doctorate degree: 8 years). This is coupled with relevant years of experience managing people and public health programs. Two (2) years of the required experience must include experience in public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, and developing and managing budgets to achieve program goals and objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, program management, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
• Experience in public health, community health, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong understanding of public health principles, prevention, population health, emergency preparedness, and community-based services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse community partners, healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, and elected officials.
• Ability to lead effectively in a rural and resource-conscious environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, management, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with grants, contracts, compliance, and program development is preferred.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who can see both the big picture and the day-to-day realities of rural public health. The successful candidate will be comfortable wearing many hats, developing strong community relationships, supporting staff, managing limited resources, and responding to emerging public health needs.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A collaborative and approachable leader
• A strong communicator and relationship builder
• Comfortable making decisions and managing competing priorities
• Passionate about prevention and improving community health
• Able to advocate for public health while building trust across the community
• Adaptable, resourceful, and willing to step in wherever needed
• Committed to supporting and developing a strong public health workforce

Employment: Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $60-65/hour depending upon experience

Benefits: Full benefits package

Position open until filled with qualified candidate

To Apply: please submit resume, cover letter and application

Montezuma County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Why Rural Public Health?

Working in a rural health department offers the opportunity to make a visible and lasting difference. In a smaller community, public health leadership is personal. The work directly impacts families, children, seniors, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

Our next Public Health Director will have the opportunity to build on existing programs, strengthen partnerships, support our dedicated team, and help ensure that public health remains responsive to the changing needs of our community.