Public Health Director

Nash County is committed to delivering high-quality, equitable health services that strengthen community well-being. The Health Director serves as the chief administrator of the Health Department within the consolidated Human Services Agency. This position ensures compliance with North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS 130A-41) and the Consolidated Agreement with the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Director provides strategic leadership for all public health programs, guiding efforts to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and respond to emerging health challenges. The role requires collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, as well as community organizations, to improve health outcomes and advance public health priorities. 

General Statement of Duties 

Under the limited supervision of the Human Services Director, the Health Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health services for Nash County. The department operates within a consolidated Human Services Agency structure and delivers a wide range of programs through five divisions: 

- Public Health Programs/Clinical Services/Women, Infants, and Children Program 

- Health Education & Promotion 

- Care Management & Social Work 

- Administration & Business Office 

- Environmental Health 

The Health Director ensures these programs meet regulatory standards, align with community needs, and operate efficiently. This position plays a key role in emergency preparedness, health department accreditation, and fostering partnerships that support integrated service delivery. 

This position provides executive-level leadership for a complex public health organization serving a diverse population. The Health Director enforces public health laws, advises local officials, manages contracts, and directs staff in accordance with county policies and best practices. The role requires strong collaboration with hospitals, schools, community agencies, and other stakeholders to address health disparities and promote population health. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Direction: Serve as the county’s chief public health officer; provide guidance on health policy and emerging issues. 

Operational Oversight: In partnership with the Deputy Health Director, set goals for all divisions, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 

Policy Development and Enforcement: Develop and implement public health policies; enforce communicable disease laws and environmental health regulations. 

Community Health Promotion: Lead initiatives to educate residents and promote healthy behaviors through outreach and partnerships. 

Community Health Assessment: Oversee data collection and analysis to identify health priorities and inform planning. 

Program Management: Ensure all programs meet quality standards and contractual obligations. 

Emergency Preparedness: Direct planning and response for public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters. 

Accreditation and Quality Improvement: Maintain compliance with accreditation standards and promote continuous improvement. 

Budget and Resource Management: Develop and monitor the department’s budget; pursue grants and alternative funding sources. 

Community Engagement: Build partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to expand public health impact. 

Advocacy and Public Relations: Represent the department in public forums, media engagements, and legislative discussions. 

Professional Development: Ensure professional development and training for public health staff. 

Public Health Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of public health principles, practices, and laws, including communicable disease control, environmental health regulations, and population health planning. 

Regulatory and Policy Knowledge: Understanding of state and federal public health regulations, North Carolina General Statutes, and county ordinances; ability to interpret and apply these to complex health issues. 

Leadership and Management Skills: Proven ability to lead a large, multidisciplinary team; skill in setting priorities, delegating responsibilities, and fostering accountability and performance excellence. 

Strategic Planning and Problem-Solving: Ability to develop short- and long-range plans, analyze complex data, and make evidence-based decisions to improve health outcomes. 

Fiscal and Resource Management: Knowledge of governmental budgeting, fiscal controls, and contract administration; ability to allocate resources effectively and pursue alternative funding sources. 

Community Engagement and Collaboration: Skill in building partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, advocacy groups, and community organizations; ability to represent the department in public forums and legislative discussions. 

Communication and Public Relations: Exceptional oral and written communication skills; ability to convey complex health information clearly to diverse audiences, including media, policymakers, and the public. 

Technology and Data Utilization: Proficiency in standard office software and ability to use public health data systems for monitoring trends, evaluating programs, and informing policy. 

Professionalism and Adaptability: Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and independent judgment; readiness to respond to emergencies and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment. 

Minimum Education and Qualifications 

Master’s degree in Public Health Administration plus one year of management experience in health programs or services; OR Master’s degree in another public health discipline plus three years of management experience in health programs or services; OR Master’s degree in Public Administration plus two years of management experience in health programs or services; OR Master’s degree in a related field plus three years of management experience in health programs or services; OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus seven years of management experience in health programs or services. 

Minimum requirements are established by North Carolina General Statutes (GS 130A-40 and GS 130A-45.5). For degrees considered “related,” eligibility is determined by the State Health Director. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred candidates will have one or more of the following:

- Senior leadership in a?local or state governmental public health agency 

- Experience working within a?Consolidated Human Services Agency (CHSA)/consolidated DHHS model 

- Accreditation or standards leadership (e.g.,?PHAB?and/or applicable state standards, monitoring, readiness activities) 

- Emergency preparedness leadership, including?ICS/NIMS?roles, planning, exercises, and after-action improvement 

- Experience managing?complex budgets?and multi-source funding, including?grants, contracts, compliance reporting, and audit readiness 

Salary : $117,146 - $188,652