Deputy Commissioner - Department of Health

About the role

The Vermont Department of Health is seeking a dynamic, experienced public health leader to serve as Deputy Commissioner. This executive-level role is an opportunity to shape the future of public health across Vermont by providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and policy guidance across a diverse portfolio of programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Help advance the Department's mission, vision, and strategic priorities
• Advises the Commissioner on key public health issues
• Serves as Acting Commissioner when needed
• Provide leadership and direction to senior staff
• Ensure programs are effective, grounded in science, and aligned with Department goals
• Lead during public health emergencies and communicate critical information
• People Leadership & Workforce Development
• Supervise Division and Unit Directors
• Support staff development, performance management, and succession planning
• Partner with HR on complex personnel matters
• Budget & Resource Management
• Collaborate on budget development and fiscal oversight
• Support legislative funding requests
• Ensure alignment and compliance of grant funding
• Community Engagement & Communication
• Serve as a spokesperson as needed
• Represent the Department in public forums, committees, and meetings
• Build strong partnerships with agencies, community organizations, and policymakers
• Health Equity Champion
• Ensure health equity across all programs and initiatives
• Ensure equity is embedded in policies, planning, grants, and service delivery

Compensation

The statutory salary range for this position is $120,189 to $180,284. Starting salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.