Chief Public Health Officer: Strategy & Policy Leader

St Mary's County Government; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s County Government seeks a Health Officer to lead the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) as chief health strategist for the county.

The role directs health priorities, advocates for residents, and builds foundational public health capabilities to deliver essential services. The Health Officer works with state agencies, represents SMCHD on committees, and oversees a budget of about $42 million, guiding operations, staff development, and program performance to improve health

Qualifications

• Master's in Public Health with at least 2 years of public health experience.
• Alternate qualification: Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of public health experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead community health assessment, health improvement planning, and policy development using local data and resident input.
• Oversee department operations, budgets, grants, and staff; ensure program performance and quality improvement.
• Represent SMCHD on local, state, and national committees and advocate for public health interests.
• Serve as executive officer and secretary of the County Board of Health and advise county leaders on health policy.
• Communicate health risks, prevention guidance, and actions to residents, healthcare providers, officials, and the media.

Skills

Public health leadership

Policy development

Budget management

Interagency collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Public Health

Bachelor's degree

Job description

St. Mary’s County Government seeks a Health Officer to lead the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) as chief health strategist for the county.

The role directs health priorities, advocates for residents, and builds foundational public health capabilities to deliver essential services. The Health Officer works with state agencies, represents SMCHD on committees, and oversees a budget of about $42 million, guiding operations, staff development, and program performance to improve health