Careers

Director Of Public Health

Wayne County

Posted 8/14/2026

Responsibilities

Wayne County is looking for a motivated public health professional to lead the County in understanding and implementing a health care strategy and program that addresses the current health needs of Wayne County residents, while envisioning and preparing for future needs. The ideal candidate will be energetic, visionary, collaborative and transformational. The Director will collaborate with other county departments, local agencies, community groups, hospitals, and medical professionals to develop a public health strategy that identifies gaps in health care delivery in Wayne County and pursues strategies with partners to implement change. The County is highly committed to an updated model health care system to serve our residents.

This position serves as the primary administrator of all Public Health Programs in a County Serving less than 250,000 populations and is responsible for coordinating the various technical services provided under the auspices of the State Public Health Programs and the licensed agency. The incumbent has responsibility for the professional and financial operation of the agency. The work is performed under administrative direction received from the County Board of Supervisors. Administrative supervision is exercised over the work of agency professional, technical and other staff. Does related work as required.

Examples of Typical Duties

Administers a local public health program on behalf of the County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Health, Services include but are not limited to Immunizations Services, Tuberculosis Control Program, Early Intervention Program; Rabies Control, Communicable Disease Control, Injury Prevention, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Lead Poisoning Prevention, Maternal-Child Health Program and the activities of the Diagnostic & Treatment Center (clinical services);
Prepares, submits and manages the annual budget;
Develops new programs to meet community needs;
Conducts Community Health Assessments and implements a Community Health Improvement Plan as required by the NYSDOH.
Analyzes the need for number and types of staff and develops contractual arrangements as necessary;
Coordinates the activities of all required advisory and professional committees;
Acts as liaison person with all governmental agencies and community groups and develops and assigns departmental representation;
Administers all data collection activities and statistical reporting;
Administers policy and procedure development for all programs;
Assures that the departmental programs meet all Federal, State and Local requirements;
Conducts systematic program evaluations on an on-going basis.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

Comprehensive knowledge of the principals, practices and terminology of public health administration; public health program administration; health economics and legislation; comprehensive knowledge of community organization; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of health care management; working knowledge of local government operations; working knowledge of research methods; ability to direct and evaluate the programs of a public health agency; ability to plan, organize and direct the activities of others; ability to deal with the public on proposed health programs as they affect public health and ability to prepare and analyze various types of technical and statistical reports; ability to communicate effectively; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualification

A master’s degree in public health from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university that demonstrates the core competencies of a public health education (Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavior Sciences) or a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university. Related fields include public health nursing, health administration, community health education or environmental health; and

Two years of administration experience in a health-related organization or government agency that demonstrates that the candidate possess the knowledge and skills necessary to administer public health programs, including workforce and budget management, effective communication, effective establishment and implementation of policy or business goals, and compliance with legal requirements.

All appointments to the position of Director of Public Health and the appointment and arrangements for the medical consultant are subject to the approval of the State Commissioner of Health.

Candidates who do not meet the education or experience requirements of this section may be conditionally approved for an appointment of two years by the State Commission of Health, with an opportunity for two additional one year conditional renewals. Final approval of these candidates shall be contingent on satisfactory progress in meeting a public health education or experience plan developed in conjunction with and approved by the State Commission of Health.