DEPUTY HEALTH OFFICER

General Definition of Work:

Performs difficult professional work serving as the Deputy Health Officer and designated authority acting on behalf of the Chief Health Officer, providing executive oversight of the Community Health Division and key organizational initiatives. Directs division operations, implements strategic priorities, and ensures effective delivery of public health services. Exercises delegated authority in decision-making, policy implementation, and interagency coordination, and assumes full leadership responsibility in the absence of the Chief Health Officer. Performs related duties as apparent or assigned. Divisional supervision is exercised over all personnel within the Community Health Division.

Starting at $92,404.60 annually. Effective October 1, 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Directs and oversees the Community Health Division, including multiple program areas and supervisory staff, ensuring effective service delivery, regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Implements organizational strategy and policy direction established by the Chief Health Officer, translating strategic goals into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Exercises delegated executive authority in the absence of the Chief Health Officer, including decision-making related to operations, personnel and public health response.
• Provides leadership and supervision to division managers and program staff, including performance management, staff development and operational oversight.
• Leads cross-sector partnerships and community collaborations to advance public health initiatives and improve population health outcomes.
• Participates in development and management of departmental budgets, including resource allocation and monitoring of program expenditures.
• Supports emergency preparedness and response efforts, coordinating division activities and ensuring continuity of operations.
• Leads quality improvement, performance management and accreditation-related activities within assigned areas.
• Represents the department in meetings with community stakeholders, partner agencies and regional initiatives.
• Advises the Chief Health Officer on operational, strategic and policy matters, including emerging public health issues and system improvements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in public health, or public health focused field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Extensive (six (6) plus years) experience in a public health role, including program oversight, staff supervision and involvement in organizational planning or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of County and department policies and procedures, thorough knowledge of Michigan Public Health code, emergency response plans and financial status reporting. Comprehensive knowledge to prepare time sheets and activity reporting, processes maps and flow charts, performance appraisals and impact reporting. Thorough knowledge to prepare financial reporting and data analytical tools.

Comprehensive knowledge to be able to use standard office equipment and software. Thorough knowledge to be able to use standard accounting software and data analytical reporting software. Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages. Ability to understand and apply governmental accounting practices in maintenance of financial records. Abilty to analyze complex data sets and perform statistical analysis. Exceptional communication skills that allow for the transfer of complex health data into policy discussions. Exceptional system level thinking abilities to address public health system challenges and opportunities.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan at the time of hire.
• Must complete FEMA courses within six (6) months of hire.
• Must obtain any needed Public Health certifications within one (1) year of hire.