Public Health Director #51136

Department: Health | FLSA Status: Exempt | Closing Date: September 25, 2026

About the role

This managerial position is responsible for the planning, coordination and oversight of the Burke County Public Health Department. Work includes implementation and evaluation of health programs, administrative direction of Public Health staff, and promotion of public health to the citizens of Burke County. Considerable initiative and judgement are required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Organizes and oversees Public Health Department personnel decisions such as hiring, promotions, demotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Oversees Public Health Department personnel performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Organizes and oversees training and work of assigned Public Health Department personnel.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, leads, manages, and coordinates the operations of the Health Department and its programs; including the management of facility, resources, equipment, and staff.
• Evaluates and continuously improves Public Health programs in collaboration with department staff, County leadership, and the governing board.
• Participates and oversees the hiring and training of assigned personnel, including conducting performance evaluations and handling disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Serves as the department’s primary representative with local, regional and state partners. In collaboration with the Burke County Board of Commissioners and County Manager, executes the duties and authorities as outlined in NCGS 130A-45.5.
• Receives, reviews, evaluates, and works to resolve complaints, project requests, and other issues from citizens, Health Department staff, County personnel, and external agencies.
• Partners with community leaders and organizations to advance public health initiatives, strengthen health education and improve public health outcomes.
• Develops, prepares and oversees the departmental budget, including the forecasting of future operational needs, monitoring of expenses, and ensuring department compliance within the annual operating budget.
• Works with department finance staff and County Finance team to manage contracts, grant funds, state reimbursements, and purchase orders related to the department’s services and programs.
• Effectively communicates (orally and in writing) with all public officials, county officials, the general public, and other employees.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

A candidate must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

• A medical doctorate; or
• A master’s degree in Public Health Administration, and at least one year of employment experience in health programs or health services; or
• A master’s degree in a public health discipline other than public health administration, and at least three years of employment experience in health programs or health services; or
• A master’s degree in public administration, and at least two years of experience in health programs or health services; or
• A master’s degree in a field related to public health, and at least three years of experience in health programs or health services; or
• A bachelor’s degree in a field related to public health and at least seven years of experience in health programs or health services, which must include at least three years of supervisory experience.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses.
• Occasionally lifts up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Occasionally spends time standing and walking.
• Frequently spends time sitting, speaking or hearing, and using hands or fingers to handle, feel, type, or text.
• Subjected to considerable mental effort and potential stressful situations during day-to-day operations.

Skills

• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Ability to express and exchange ideas through verbal communications.
• Ability to recognize information at normal spoken word levels.
• Must be able to prepare and analyze written or computer data.
• Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, motor vehicles, and machines required to perform duties of this position.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources, such as guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to oversee and establish policies and goals for the Health Department.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Pay

Hiring Range: $123,000.00 - $150,000.00