ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH

City of Toronto; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Toronto is seeking an Associate Director, Public Health, to lead strategic planning and service delivery in public health operations. This role requires substantial management experience and a focus on policy development within the public health sector. Candidates should have a relevant educational background and the ability to foster teamwork and innovation in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive management, strategy, policy development, and program planning experience.
• Experience managing complex projects with strong partnership skills.
• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction for public health services and standards.
• Leads policy development and approves program-specific procedures.
• Monitors program performance to ensure targets are met.

Skills

Leadership

Policy Development

Strategic Planning

Team Building

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Post-secondary education in public health or public administration

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

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• Division & Section: Public Health, Strategy & Clinical Services
• Work Location: 55 John Street, Toronto, Union Station
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent and Temporary Vacancies (6 and 18 months)
• Salary: $140,350.00-$182,614.00, TM1372 and wage grade 9.
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Qualified List will be established to fill permanent and/or temporary positions.
• Number of Positions Open: 3
• Posting Period: 03-JUN-2025 to 17-JUN-2025

As a key contributor to the Toronto Public Health Management Team, the Associate Director, Public Health will provide leadership and direction for strategy, planning, delivery, and evaluation of services and standards.

We are searching for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment to assist the Toronto Public Health Senior Management Team in managing and responding to clinical services, health promotion across the lifespan, and other public health programs. The Associate Director will support the development and implementation of strategies and policies, monitor various mediums including Board of Health, government communications, media, research, and other sources to ensure Toronto Public Health responds to emerging public health priorities. They will facilitate the development of effective policies, issues management, and communication, ensuring the successful delivery of various programs.

Major Responsibilities

• Provides direction regarding program planning, development, and implementation related to service delivery, quality assurance, information management, reporting, and integration of programs and services of a specified portfolio.
• Leads policy development, recommends, and approves procedures regarding program-specific requirements based on long-term needs.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of directorate performance through analysis and implementation of sound management practices and procedures, providing guidance to subordinate program management staff, and increasing efficiencies.
• Leads and motivates a diverse workforce, ensuring effective teamwork, resolving complex labour relations issues, maintaining high standards of work quality, and encouraging innovation.
• Develops, recommends, and administers the annual budget for the portfolio, controlling expenditures within approved limits.
• Manages staff, monitors performance, and approves salary increments, overseeing vacation and overtime requests.
• Provides leadership and support to management staff responsible for day-to-day operations.
• Monitors program performance, making adjustments to meet targets.
• Builds effective management teams and fosters collaborative relationships across programs.
• Provides guidance on issues and risk management, legal issues, and policy frameworks.
• Negotiates service contracts and performance targets, and prepares business cases and procurement requests.
• Establishes recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies, ensuring occupational health and safety.
• Monitors community health indicators, identifies emerging issues, and directs public health interventions.
• Develops multi-year strategic and operating plans, maximizing service delivery efficiencies and promoting access and equity.
• Ensures compliance with Ontario public health standards, statutes, and municipal by-laws.
• Oversees accreditation, quality assurance, risk management, and serious occurrence responses.
• Maintains relationships with external agencies and health service providers, establishing protocols for referral and service coordination.
• Ensures community input in service planning and develops systems to monitor compliance with practice standards.
• Participates in research, reviews proposals, and delivers presentations.
• Represents Toronto Public Health at meetings with the Board of Health, City Council, and other stakeholders.
• Manages information requests from government officials and prepares reports and briefing notes.
• Leads working groups and manages relationships with municipal and government partners.
• Leads investigations into regulatory and policy breaches.
• Participates in emergency response planning and management, including staff training and redeployment.
• Contributes to business continuity planning.
• Provides coverage for the director as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Extensive management, strategy, policy development, and program planning experience, preferably in public health or related fields. Senior management experience is an asset.
• Post-secondary education in public health, public administration, or a related field, with management training. A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects from inception to completion, with strong partnership skills.
• Proven ability to build effective teams and lead diverse professionals with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Familiarity with Ontario statutes such as Occupational Health and Safety Act, Health Protection and Promotion Act, and others.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and critical thinking skills; capable of resolving conflicts and negotiating effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing reports for diverse audiences.
• Discretion, judgment, and political acumen to handle sensitive matters.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.