Job Description
Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for development, administration, and overall effectiveness and operation of the Austin Public Health Department. This position manages a widely dispersed workforce, provides planning and oversight, and coordinates other related services.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities; determines appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
- Assists in the planning, development, and administration of the department’s budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Develops, negotiates, and monitors contracts between the City, consultants, contractors, outreach and social service agencies, and other governmental entities.
- Provides oversight and direction of research and analysis to determine program direction and goals.
- Analyzes operations to evaluate performance of programs and resources in meeting objectives; and identifies areas of potential duplication of services, opportunities for program improvement, and policy change.
- Ensures that responsibilities, authority, and accountability of all direct and indirect subordinates are defined, understood, and accomplished.
- Presides over, or serves on, boards and commissions, committees, or other governing boards.
- Develops partnerships, as necessary, with outside public and private organizations to access resources and improve the efficiency of service delivery.
- Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, CMO, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Works in collaboration with City management, Mayor and Council, and outside agencies regarding community outreach and health and human services programs in person and through written reports.
- Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Social and Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, Municipal Government, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including two (2) years of experience in a management capacity.
- Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
The following are the preferred qualifications for the Assistant Director of Austin Public Health:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to governing bodies, the media, and the public, and the ability to explain complex technical issues in accessible, non-technical language.
- Public health epidemiology and disease surveillance management experience.
- Emergency management leadership experience.
