Public Health Director

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$0.000

Job Posting:

JR2025-Public Health Director (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a strategic results-oriented leader to serve as the Public Health Director. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of the Divisions operations programs and services working in close partnership with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Governors Office.

The Public Health Director will lead with integrity ensuring the delivery of critical public health services across the state while aligning with the agencys mission of Helping People Live Better Lives. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership financial management and strategic planning skills with a demonstrated commitment to public health excellence.

Position Location: Lincoln Nebraska

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Division of Public Health setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with the CEO CMO and Governors Office.

• Develop implement and evaluate public health policies programs and initiatives that align with DHHSs mission and strategic goals.

• Oversee the Divisions budget financial planning and resource allocation to ensure sustainable and efficient operations.

• Foster a culture of excellence innovation and accountability across the Division promoting professional development and employee engagement.

• Direct the planning development and evaluation of public health programs ensuring compliance with federal state and local regulations.

• Collaborate with program deputy directors and administrators to optimize program performance enhance service delivery and drive continuous improvement.

• Implement and monitor strategic and operational plans to ensure the Division meets public health imperatives and priority initiatives.

• Serve as a primary liaison between DHHS and external stakeholders including the Governors Office state agencies federal partners and community organizations.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with public health boards commissions and advisory groups.

• Represent DHHS in public health discussions legislative sessions and community forums advocating for the health and well-being of Nebraskans.

• Ensure Division compliance with all federal and state public health regulations and laws.

• Lead the Divisions emergency preparedness and response efforts including developing and implementing continuity of operations plans (COOP).

• Coordinate with the Incident Command Structure and DHHS leadership to effectively deploy resources during public health emergencies.

• Partner with Human Resources to enhance recruitment retention and professional development programs for public health staff.

• Oversee the development and monitoring of procurement contractual services and records management to support operational sustainability.

• Conduct regular financial performance reviews identifying opportunities for expense management and revenue enhancement.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in public health administration or related field.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of executive leadership experience in a public health or health services organization including experience in a senior management role.

• Proven experience leading public health initiatives including emergency preparedness and response (e.g. disease outbreaks natural disasters all-hazards preparedness).

• Demonstrated success in managing large budgets leading cross-functional teams and improving program outcomes.

• Experience in collaborating with state local and federal partners and other public health organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with or leading pro-family programs including initiatives related to fatherhood motherhood pregnancy support and adoption.

• Familiarity with the principles of public health administration within state or local government settings.

• Experience working directly with state leadership including the Governors Office.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to set and communicate a clear vision for the Division of Public Health aligning goals with agency priorities.

• Proven track record of leading developing and inspiring high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.

• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with experience delivering clear and persuasive messages.

Salary:

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Considerations:

The start date for this position will be no earlier than August 2025. This posting is being made for early consideration and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Candidates will be contacted once recruitment timelines are confirmed.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position agency and employment status. For more information on benefits please visit: Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.