Deputy Director, Public Health

Deschutes County; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 129,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-site clinic

Retirement (PERS)

Paid time-off

Holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Deschutes County Health Services seeks a Deputy Director of Public Health to lead the Public Health service area, directing day-to-day operations and guiding programs that protect and improve community health in Deschutes County. You will set strategic direction, manage budgets, and supervise staff to ensure timely, compliant public health services.

The role requires a Master’s in Public Health or related field with at least five years of leadership experience, plus strong collaboration with

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Behavioral Health, Public Administration, or related field.
• AND five (5) years of related experience, including leadership experience.
• OR equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

• Providing overall strategic direction and planning, developing, and implementing public health programs to meet the needs of the community.
• Defining the concepts, methodology, and administrative procedures to conduct and evaluate various public health programs.
• Overseeing and managing the activities of all service area personnel to ensure that public health services are delivered professionally, effectively, timely, and in accordance with policies, budgets, goals, and regulations.
• Participating in a leadership role in quality improvement systems and processes; providing technical or professional assistance and direction, particularly in disease outbreak or emergency.
• Initiating or approving selection, evaluation, transfer, promotion, and performance management of employees.
• Maintaining key partnerships with state and local officials, community-based organizations, and health care providers.
• Developing, balancing, and monitoring program budgets and cost centers in collaboration with service area managers, the department director and business manager.
• Preparing work plan objectives, long-range goals, and annual reports; and assuring continued development and training of staff members.

Skills

Public health leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Policy compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Performance management

Education

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field

Five years of leadership experience

Job description

Deschutes County Health Services supports over 400 staff in Behavioral and Public Health programs working to promote and protect the health and safety of the community in a broad variety of community-based settings.

This position is part of Public Health service area, which works to keep people healthy and safe by striving to improve and protect the health of people in Deschutes County. This work includes: disease prevention, surveillance and control; food and consumer safety; assuring clean and safe drinking water; ensuring access to essential health services; providing education about healthy lifestyles; implementing strategies to reduce and prevent high-risk behaviors among youth; and responding to pandemics and emerging threats, outbreaks and other events.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• This position is open until filled.
• Applications will be referred weekly on Tuesdays by end of day.
• Anticipated Interview Schedule: Virtual screening interviews on October 13, 2026, and in-person interviews the week of October 26, 2026.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The Deputy Director of Public Health serves as a member of the Health Services department's executive management team and is responsible for the oversight of a wide variety of public health programs. This position plans, organizes, directs, and controls the day-to-day operations of the department's Public Health service area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing overall strategic direction and planning, developing, and implementing public health programs to meet the needs of the community.
• Defining the concepts, methodology, and administrative procedures to conduct and evaluate various public health programs.
• Overseeing and managing the activities of all service area personnel to ensure that public health services are delivered professionally, effectively, timely, and in accordance with policies, budgets, goals, and regulations.
• Participating in a leadership role in quality improvement systems and processes; providing technical or professional assistance and direction, particularly in disease outbreak or emergency.
• Initiating or approving selection, evaluation, transfer, promotion, and performance management of employees.
• Maintaining key partnerships with state and local officials, community-based organizations, and health care providers.
• Developing, balancing, and monitoring program budgets and cost centers in collaboration with service area managers, the department director and business manager.
• Preparing work plan objectives, long-range goals, and annual reports; and assuring continued development and training of staff members.

What You Will Bring:

Knowledge of or experience with:

• Oregon Administrative Rules and standards.
• Federal, state and county laws, codes, rules, and regulations governing public health services.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Regional health protocols and compliance standards for health issues.
• Research and statistical evaluation principles and methods.
• Techniques for investigating and resolving public health issues.
• Healthcare transformation and vision development.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying county, state, and federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Providing oversight, supervision, and recommendations to public health professionals.
• Applying public health or public administration principles and practices in a regulatory environment.
• Working effectively with others to develop solutions.
• Managing complex budget from multiple revenue streams.
• Solving complex public health issues and managing legal issues for staff.
• Leading creative, innovative, and progressive thinking in a fast-paced environment.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.

Review the full job description by clicking HERE.

Compensation

$11,564.04 to $15,496.93 per month for a 172.67 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:

Our robust healthcare package covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Human Services, Behavioral Health, Public Administration, or related field;
• AND five (5) years of related experience, including leadership experience;
• OR equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.