Senior Director of Disease Control, Surveillance and Epidemiology

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Disease Control, Surveillance and Epidemiology is an executive leader, scientist, and seasoned public health professional responsible for overseeing disease surveillance, disease control, and epidemiology across two large work units: the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Protection and the Office of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis. The position provides vision, direction, and oversight to help programs operate strategically and efficiently and improve and protect public health. The division has nearly 230 FTE and a budget of approximately $291 million; the office has nearly 100 FTE and a budget of approximately $55 million. The role applies systems thinking, program evaluation, and population health frameworks, alongside expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design. It critically evaluates scientific studies and ensures advisories, policy recommendations, and programs are evidence-based. The director works closely with the department’s Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer, the State Epidemiologist, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Senior Executive Team, community partners, local governments, and federal agencies. The position oversees talent acquisition, staff performance, budgets and grants, operational excellence, and compliance with department and state policies and federal funding requirements. It also contributes to department communications and public affairs, legislative priorities, performance and innovation, health equity, and budgeting, while identifying and escalating risks that may affect programs or the department’s reputation. The position is at-will and based at CDPHE’s Denver office. Hybrid work may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. The selected candidate must establish Colorado residency. The role is on call for urgent matters and emergencies and is designated critical, requiring availability to report to a regular or alternate worksite during emergencies, closures, or activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan. Travel to meetings and conferences in Colorado and to national conferences out of state, including possible overnight stays, may be required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field, combined with at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience directing a large organization and supervising staff at an executive level in a public health setting; alternatively, minimum qualifications may be met through work experience alone.
Demonstrated experience producing improved health outcomes at the population level.
Demonstrated political acumen as an executive leader.
Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret public health data.
Demonstrated public health practice experience using data and strategic planning to improve health outcomes.
Demonstrated experience with fiscal management of budgets and grants.
Must establish residence in Colorado if selected.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the department does not provide visa sponsorship.
Must be available on call for urgent matters and emergencies and able to report as required for critical-status events.
Applicants using education to qualify must submit transcripts or a diploma with the application.

Nice To Haves

PhD or MD in public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in disease surveillance, epidemiology, and disease control.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, strategic direction, and oversight for disease surveillance, disease control, and epidemiology functions across two work units.
Ensure programs are strategic, efficient, evidence-based, and aligned with department priorities.
Apply systems thinking, program evaluation, population health frameworks, biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design to public health work.
Work with the department’s Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer to meet agency goals.
Coordinate with the State Epidemiologist and the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response on outbreak and pandemic readiness.
Oversee talent acquisition and promote programmatic and operational excellence.
Manage staff performance and address performance issues promptly.
Ensure work units follow department and state policies and meet federal funding requirements.
Partner with the Senior Executive Team on communications and public affairs, legislative priorities, performance and innovation, health equity, and budgeting.
Manage risk and elevate issues that could affect programs or the department’s reputation.
Foster effective relationships with community partners, local governments, and federal agencies.
Oversee fiscal management of budgets and grants.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit or defined contribution plans.
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 and generous paid time off.
Free parking and 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.