Deputy State Health Commissioner (Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Services)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

20h•$230,000 - $260,000

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health is hiring for a Deputy State Health Commissioner supporting Community Health Services. This position currently offers a sign-on bonus of $10,000 with a one-year written agreement for external candidates. Working for Community Health Services offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, statewide impact on public health while operating at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and community engagement. In this role, you are not only guiding local health districts and strengthening public health systems through data-driven decision-making and strategic partnerships but also ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and equitably to maximize outcomes for Virginians. The position provides a dynamic blend of operational leadership and high-level advisory work, including collaborating with community and government stakeholders, influencing policy, supporting legislative initiatives, and addressing complex, real-time public health challenges. It is ideal for professionals who are passionate about improving population health, driving system-wide change, and serving as a trusted advisor in shaping the future of public health in Virginia. As a senior executive on the agency leadership team, the incumbent communicates and promotes the goals and vision of the Commissioner and the Administration. Principal liaison for State Health Commissioner with Office Directors, District Directors, and local government officials in representing needs and concerns of local health departments. Recommends and implements operational, policy, and programmatic choices that have a significant effect on local health departments. Negotiates differences between district and central office program directors through focusing on collaborative behavior and positive resolution. Provides leadership on high impact agency initiatives such as infant mortality prevention and emergency preparedness and response. Works one-on-one with physician district directors to assess needs or address specific issues unique to a locality. Serves as management respondent in grievances for 2,800 employees. Applies knowledge of state and local governments and the legislative process, testifying on behalf of the agency, and monitoring legislation to determine the impact on the agency. Provides senior staff support for the Commissioner, State Board of Health, Governor, Secretary of Health & Human Resources, Attorney General, Chief of CHS, other cabinet officials, General Assembly members, and local government officials. Must have a Virginia medical license and Board certification in a relevant specialty. The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Requirements

Must have a Virginia medical license and Board certification in a relevant specialty.
Comprehensive knowledge of public health and public administration and principles/practices influencing service delivery in a large, complex agency
Demonstrated ability to build teams, assess group dynamics, and shape management practice
Considerable knowledge of issues/trends in health care that impact public health
Exceptional oral/written communication skills
Ability to work with diverse health care professionals and leaders from other sectors
Demonstrated skill in intergovernmental negotiations to accomplish agency objectives
Ability to establish and maintain balanced, professional working relationships
Skill in analyzing a variety of complex problems and issues to develop strategies for resolution
Ability to maintain a high degree of productivity and effectiveness in changing environment
Demonstrated skill in supervising autonomous professionals and fostering partnerships to further organizational objectives
Progressively responsible experience in public health, supervision, and management

Nice To Haves

Preference for MPH, MPA or MBA; board certification in a relevant specialty and/or previous experience and training in infectious diseases, toxicology, emergency response, public health, or preventive medicine
Training/experience in public administration, or related as well as various levels of government

Responsibilities

Communicates and promotes the goals and vision of the Commissioner and the Administration.
Principal liaison for State Health Commissioner with Office Directors, District Directors, and local government officials in representing needs and concerns of local health departments.
Recommends and implements operational, policy, and programmatic choices that have a significant effect on local health departments.
Negotiates differences between district and central office program directors through focusing on collaborative behavior and positive resolution.
Provides leadership on high impact agency initiatives such as infant mortality prevention and emergency preparedness and response.
Works one-on-one with physician district directors to assess needs or address specific issues unique to a locality.
Serves as management respondent in grievances for 2,800 employees.
Applies knowledge of state and local governments and the legislative process, testifying on behalf of the agency, and monitoring legislation to determine the impact on the agency.
Provides senior staff support for the Commissioner, State Board of Health, Governor, Secretary of Health & Human Resources, Attorney General, Chief of CHS, other cabinet officials, General Assembly members, and local government officials.