Center for Public Health Practice Director (Public Health Administrator 1)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Center for Public Health Practice is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Center for Public Health Practice Director. This position is responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of the Center in alignment with the Public Health Division’s overarching goals. The Director will 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. This role requires a strong foundation in public health science and administration to position Oregon as a national leader in public health excellence. The Director will 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. As a representative of the Division, the Director will 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. A critical focus of this role is to ensure all Center initiatives support OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities. The Director will also 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

• Five years of management experience; OR Two years of management experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Resume that clearly outlines education and work experience relevant to this position.
• Cover Letter (Required).
• Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current.
• Must be located within a reasonable commuting distance of Portland or Salem, Oregon.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
• Must not require visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic Systems Thinker: Demonstrated experience analyzing and addressing root causes within complex systems, designing solutions that account for interdependencies, long-term outcomes, and equity impacts.
• Experienced Public Health Leader: Experience directing complex public health programs and activities involving multiple partners, with a strong understanding of public health emergency response systems.
• Policy and Budget Expertise: Extensive experience developing public policy and implementing complex budgets across multiple business units, aligning financial strategies with organizational goals.
• Collaborative Visionary: Experience aligning strategic vision across diverse public health programs and fostering cross-sector relationships to build community trust and shared purpose.
• Equity-Focused and Culturally Responsive Leader: Demonstrated commitment—through both experience and/or education—to advancing equity, challenging systemic barriers, and promoting inclusive practices that honor diverse cultural perspectives.
• Transparent and Ethical Decision-Maker: Experience making high-stakes decisions with integrity and transparency, particularly in collaboration with legislators, executive leadership, and other senior government officials.
• Empowering and Empathetic Leader: Demonstrates emotional intelligence, mentors and empowers internal staff, and prioritizes staff well-being to prevent burnout and foster a supportive work environment.
• Community-Centered and Feedback-Oriented: Experience working in partnership with communities most impacted by inequities, with a demonstrated openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Direct experience in Oregon’s public health systems, programs, and practices.
• At least a master’s or doctoral degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of five years of experience working in public health programs.
• Supervised other managers.
• Experience collaborating with legislators, the Governor’s Office, and other state leaders to provide information and support the development of public health policy.

Responsibilities

• Setting the vision and strategic direction of the Center in alignment with the Public Health Division’s overarching goals.
• Guiding the Center’s operations and administration in accordance with Oregon statutes, administrative rules, and OHA policies and procedures.
• Leading the development and implementation of public health policy.
• Championing continuous quality improvement and performance management.
• Ensuring effective communication of policies and procedures across leadership, management, and program teams.
• Engaging with professional organizations, media, the Conference of Local Health Officials, federal partners, and state government leaders, as delegated by the State Public Health Director.
• Ensuring all Center initiatives support OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities.
• Identifying and securing funding opportunities to advance community-led health initiatives.
• Fostering cross-program integration.
• Mentoring mid- and senior-level leaders within the Center and across the Division.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager