Preparedness Section Director

Job Posting Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy Job Posting closes: October 12 th , 2026 Required documents uploaded by: October 12 th , 2026 Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans. Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9 . KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position. If you are an OPT or STEM OPT applicant, please note that all individuals must maintain valid employment authorization and an unexpired EAD. E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here . For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here . http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/ About The Position Who can apply: Anyone (External). Classified/Unclassified Service: UnclassifiedFull-Time/Part-Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: RegularWork Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)Eligible to Receive Benefits: YesVeterans' Preference Eligible: YesSponsorship:KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position. Compensation: Hourly Pay Range: $62,000-$75,000 Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications. Employment Benefits Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the STAR Program Retirement And Deferred Compensation Programs Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information… Position Summary & Responsibilities Position Summary: The position (K0232307) Partner Collaboration and Leadership: Provide leadership and technical assistance for development and sustainment of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP), and Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI). Collaborate and guide 100 local health departments, seven regional healthcare coalitions, 15 PHEP regions, 2 CRI regions, and 4 tribes in the state of Kansas to assure compliance with federal cooperative agreement requirements. Direct staff in receiving and providing technical assistance for PHEP and HPP Aid to Local grant applications in Kansas. Provide program improvement strategies for building and sustaining collaborative efforts within and across the regional coalitions. Interpret federal guidelines and policies to assure local, regional, and state compliance with all cooperative agreement and statutory requirements. Strategic Development, Implementation and Review: Direct policy and program development for the Preparedness Program. Identify emerging public health preparedness and response issues having statewide implications. Initiate and set section goals based on KDHE’s strategic objectives. Explore the legal foundation for public health authorities, including constitutional, federal and state public health law. Direct, organize, and plan the operations of the program. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing and proposed programs through assessment of the impact on the public's health and determine the requirements to meet established goals and objectives. Present policy proposals to agency leaders, prepare constructive responses to suggestions or questions. Monitor the legislative process to determine the impact of proposed legislation of the Preparedness Program.Prepare or direct preparation of testimony, bill reviews, and fiscal notes. Present testimony as required oversee the proper response to legislative inquires and contacts. Grant and Fiscal Management: Direct preparation of grant applications and timely submission of federal and state budgets, applications, reports and grant requests for support of program activities. Assure the proper completion and submission of progress reports and performance measures as required for grants by state or federal agencies. Negotiate and develop contracts and interagency agreements to promote efficiency and effectiveness. Maintain high levels of coordination with Preparedness staff working in other areas of the agency to assure that all program requirements are met. Work with the bureau's Fiscal Analyst and other staff to review, on a monthly basis, expenditures, encumbrances, and contract balances for the Preparedness Program. Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Program Coordination:Interact with agency and bureau staff and external constituencies to discuss ways to improve the preparedness of the state of Kansas for acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and disease outbreak; incorporate the discussions into program administration and policy recommendations. Participate in Bureau of Community Health Systems Program Directors and all staff meetings to assure cross-programmatic coordination and communication. Convene and chair the KALHD-KDHE Preparedness Team on at least a quarterly basis and attend bi-monthly KALHD board meetings to provide preparedness programmatic updates to ensure strong local public health-KDHE coordination and communication. Serve as the KDHE liaison to the regional healthcare coalitions to assure two-way communication and effective coordination of all preparedness planning and response efforts. Direct the HCC Steering Committee quarterly meetings. Work with a variety of other Preparedness related partners across the state. Communicate on a regular basis with federal officials at the national and regional levels to assure that Kansas is effectively accessing fiscal and technical resources. Represent the agency at the annual National Preparedness Directors meeting and other national and regional meetings, as deemed appropriate and necessary. Assure appropriate KDHE health and medical response to public health emergencies. Additionally, this staff works with the KDHE Radiation Control Section on training and with other federal, state, and local partners on the response to a radiological event and staffing a reception center in the event of a radiological incident. Serves as backup for sending KS-HAN alerts and managing events in situational awareness platforms. Supervision of Personnel and Staff Development: Recruits, provides or oversees training, and directly supervises Preparedness management team. Evaluate the performance of subordinate staff in accordance with established agency procedures. Promote continuous growth, ongoing performance improvement, and professional development of staff. Provide expertise, leadership and direction to guide decision making. Work together with staff to ensure that communication within staff and between staff and partners is clear. Fosters a positive team environment. Qualifications Education:High School, GEDLicensing & Certification:Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.Minimum Qualifications: Two years of experience in planning, organizing, and directing the work of a department, program or agency. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.Preferred Qualifications: Masters and/or Bachelors degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Health Care Administration, Public Health, or Health/Clinical.Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AccessProofreading, editing, attention to detailCustomer serviceInterpersonal communication skillsPrioritization and organizational skillsStrong Writing SkillsMulti-Tasking SkillsLeadership and Motivational SkillsDesicion making skillsExperience with interpretation of federal and state guidelines, policies, statutes, & regulationsExperience in fiscal and budget managementExperience with HHSExperience with CDCExperience working with healthcare administrationExperience in grant managementPost-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements: Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions Recruiter Contact Information Name: Kyle Sanders Email: kyle.sanders@ks.gov Mailing Address:1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612 Job Application Process First Sign in or register as a New User.Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information pageNotifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions" Required Documents For This Application To Be Complete Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page Transcripts DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference) Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application ResumeCover Letter Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents” How To Claim Veterans Preference Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference How To Claim Disability Hiring Preference Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to: ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator Office of Personnel Services Landon State Office Building 900 SW Jackson, Rm 401 Topeka, KS 66612 Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.