Director, Public Health Practice

Oregon Department of Human Services

Director position at Oregon Health Authority responsible for leadership in public health practice. Leading strategies for community health initiatives and addressing health equity within Oregon.

Posted 5/17/2026full-timePortland • Oregon • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $9,604 - $14,856 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of the Center in alignment with the Public Health Division’s overarching goals.
Play a key role in the Division’s shared leadership model, guiding the Center’s operations and administration in accordance with Oregon statutes, administrative rules, and OHA policies and procedures.
Lead the development and implementation of public health policy, champion continuous quality improvement and performance management, and ensure effective communication of policies and procedures across leadership, management, and program teams.
Engage with professional organizations, media, the Conference of Local Health Officials, federal partners, and state government leaders, as delegated by the State Public Health Director.
Ensure all Center initiatives support OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities.
Identify and secure funding opportunities to advance community-led health initiatives, foster cross-program integration, and mentor mid- and senior-level leaders within the Center and across the Division.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Five years of management experience; OR Two years of management experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Demonstrated experience analyzing and addressing root causes within complex systems, designing solutions that account for interdependencies, long-term outcomes, and equity impacts.
Experience directing complex public health programs and activities involving multiple partners, with a strong understanding of public health emergency response systems.
Extensive experience developing public policy and implementing complex budgets across multiple business units, aligning financial strategies with organizational goals.
Experience aligning strategic vision across diverse public health programs and fostering cross-sector relationships to build community trust and shared purpose.
Demonstrated commitment—through both experience and/or education—to advancing equity, challenging systemic barriers, and promoting inclusive practices that honor diverse cultural perspectives.
Experience making high-stakes decisions with integrity and transparency, particularly in collaboration with legislators, executive leadership, and other senior government officials.
Demonstrates emotional intelligence, mentors and empowers internal staff, and prioritizes staff well-being to prevent burnout and foster a supportive work environment.
Experience working in partnership with communities most impacted by inequities, with a demonstrated openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/ Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

public health policy developmentbudget managementprogram managementequity analysisstrategic planningperformance managementpublic health emergency responsefunding acquisitioncommunity health initiativesroot cause analysis

Soft Skills

leadershipemotional intelligencementoringcommunicationcollaborationdecision-makingtransparencycommitment to equitysupportive work environmentcontinuous learning