Public Health Director
The Director of Grand Forks Public Health is responsible for leading the activities and operations of the combined City and County health department.
- Assume leadership responsibility for all Public Health services, operations, and activities.
- Develop a strategic plan for Grand Forks Public Health that includes goals, objectives, and implementation strategies.
- Support the mission, vision and values of Grand Forks Public Health as evidenced by compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
- Exhibit effective communication skills, including creative use of agency communication tools and ability to engage with the media and stakeholders in the community.
- Engage with partners to conduct community assessments and health improvement plans, serving as a chief health strategist.
- Monitor health data and trends to determine priorities for targeting interventions and responding to public health issues.
- Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to advance sound public health policy.
- Assume responsibility for the recruitment and retention of a competent and diverse public health workforce.
- Support and facilitate positive interaction with others as evidenced by professionalism, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a variety of viewpoints and diversity in the workplace.
- Promote quality improvement and performance management throughout the department.
- Report to governing entities and administrators including the Grand Forks Board of Health, Grand Forks City Council, Grand Forks County Commission, Mayor, and City and County Administrators.
- Develop budgets that align with public health strategic initiatives, fairly compensate personnel, and provide the necessary resources to support public health programs.
- Assess financial needs of the department and advocate for fiscal resources with funding entities.
- Seek new and creative opportunities to conduct research, advance public health and fund programs and services.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Knowledge:
- Public health sciences including epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, environmental health, behavioral health, vector control, emergency preparedness, health equity and other established programs
- Local, state, and federal public health laws and policies
- Principles of budget preparation, monitoring and reporting
- Health data collection methods, reporting and analysis, and program evaluation
- Marketing and social media basics
- Workplace safety, occupational hazard threat training and employee well-being resources
Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication, report preparation and grant writing skills
- Ability to use office equipment and communication technology including software programs
- Team building and mentoring to create an environment of trust and inclusion among personnel
- Negotiation skills when working with entities with diverse interests or positions
- Demonstrated leadership competencies including self-awareness and strategic risk taking.
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ethical decision-making and confidentiality
- Coalition building and coordination of multi-agency initiatives
- Enforcement of public health laws and ordinances, and skills at effecting change through public policy
Abilities:
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and governmental entities
- Engage elected officials and Health Officer when appropriate to protect public health
- Address public health challenges and issues through an ethics framework.
- Address and analyze issues, identify solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of public health goals
- Implement strategic thinking and results orientation to public health concerns
- Work independently and as a member of a team; lead diverse teams to achieve goals
Experience:
Six years of increasingly responsible experience in public health or related field. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
Education or Training:
Equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public health, public policy, administration, leadership, or related health fields.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Professional licensure, or ability to obtain licensure, if applicable to educational attainment.