WIC Nutrition & Local Services Manager (Public Health Manager 1)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

38d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Nutrition & Health Screening section is seeking a WIC Nutrition & Local Services Manager. This leadership role supports the mission of the Oregon WIC Program by directing a major statewide public health program focused on the nutritional well-being of Oregon families. The manager will guide program policy and priorities, oversee operations related to certification, eligibility, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and local program service delivery. Responsibilities include ensuring accuracy and integrity of federally mandated biennial compliance reviews and supporting Caseload Compliance Review activities to meet federal performance measures. This position directly supervises the Nutrition and Local Services Team and serves on the state WIC Office’s management and leadership teams. The manager will represent Oregon WIC in public health and nutrition partnership settings and is designated as the Oregon State WIC Nutrition Coordinator as required by USDA.

Requirements

• Five years of lead work, supervision, or progressively related experience OR Two years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Master’s or Doctoral degree in the field of nutrition from an accredited college or university with emphasis in food and nutrition, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, human nutrition, nutrition science or equivalent AND at least two years responsible experience as a nutritionist in education, social service, maternal and child health, public health, nutrition, or dietetics; OR
• Credentialed Registered Dietitian (R.D.) or is eligible for registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Commission on Dietetic Registration AND has a minimum of two years of job-related experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree in the field of nutrition from an accredited college or university AND Credentialed Registered Dietitian (R.D.) or is eligible for registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration AND has a minimum of 5 years of job-related experience
• Relevant knowledge and experience may include work in communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and staff development, stewardship, and business acumen.
• Experience may also include serving as a nutritionist in education, social services, maternal and child health, public health, nutrition, or dietetics.
• Background must include at least two years of supervising and managing a program, section, or unit within a human services setting, involving: a) development of program rules and policies, b) creation of long‑ and short‑term goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget development and oversight.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of USDA regulations and requirements that govern the WIC Program.
• Extensive experience and expertise in the operations, administration, and service delivery of local WIC Programs.
• Working knowledge of public health principles and the WIC Program’s role in improving health outcomes at both the state and local levels.
• Strong professional understanding of maternal and child nutrition, including the principles and practices of adult education.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a unionized environment, including applying contract provisions and supporting positive labor‑management relationships.
• Strategic Leadership and Systems Thinking: Leads complex, multi‑layered public health programs by aligning policies, resources, and operations with statewide and federal priorities and developing long‑term strategies that strengthen service delivery for WIC families.
• Collaborative Partnership Building: Builds strong relationships with internal teams, local agencies, state and federal partners, union representatives, and community organizations; fosters cross‑agency collaboration and represents program interests effectively.
• Data‑Informed Evaluation and Decision-Making: Applies data, performance measures, scientific evidence, and evaluation findings to guide planning, assess program effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement, translating analysis into clear, actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Guide program policy and priorities.
• Oversee complex operations related to certification and eligibility, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and local program service delivery.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and successful implementation of federally mandated biennial compliance reviews.
• Support the program’s ongoing Caseload Compliance Review activities, helping ensure Oregon meets federal performance measures.
• Provide direct supervision to the Nutrition and Local Services Team.
• Represent Oregon WIC in public health and nutrition partnership settings.
• Foster collaboration to advance the program’s mission.
• Develop program rules and policies.
• Create long- and short-term goals and plans.
• Conduct program evaluation.
• Oversee budget development and management.

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