Prevention Services Division Director

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking a visionary leader and seasoned public health professional to oversee the department’s Prevention Services Division. This division is home to programs with a broad-reaching impact on population health, aiming to reduce poor outcomes and save healthcare costs through early intervention. The division's mission is to improve population health outcomes through strategic programming, encompassing areas such as injury and violence prevention, overdose prevention, food security, health care access, family planning, child and family health promotion, chronic disease prevention and early detection, tobacco control, mental health promotion, suicide prevention, oral health, built environment, evaluation, and epidemiology. The director will be responsible for programmatic and operational excellence, managing compliance and risk, and ensuring alignment with department policies and federal requirements. This role is a key partner to senior leadership, including the executive director and chief medical officer, and collaborates with central functions like communications, public affairs, legislative affairs, finance, technology, performance, and innovation. The position also facilitates relationships with partners and constituencies, including local public health agencies.

Requirements

• A Masters degree in Public Health, or a closely related field
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience directing a large organization and supervising staff at an executive level in a public health setting
• Demonstrated experience producing improved health outcomes on a population level
• Demonstrated political acumen working as an executive leader for a board, senior executive, or elected official
• Demonstrated experience in understanding and interpreting public health data
• Demonstrated experience with fiscal management of budgets and grants
• Must substantiate minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application
• A copy of transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application if using education to qualify

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and performance management
• Ph.D in Public Health, or a closely related field

Responsibilities

• Visioning, planning, and strategic leadership to improve health outcomes
• Division oversight, management, and supervision
• Public relations, public communications, and relationship building with key constituencies
• Risk management, divisional alignment, and collaboration with department executives

Benefits

• Medical and dental plans
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Generous paid time off
• Free parking
• Access to RTD bus lines
• Tuition assistance
• Employee wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

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