Health Promotion Director

The City of Fargo; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal public health department is seeking a Health Promotion Director in Fargo, ND. The role requires leadership in managing health promotion initiatives and overseeing grant writing efforts. Candidates should have a strong background in public health, including a bachelor’s degree and significant leadership experience. Responsibilities include developing goals for the department, ensuring compliance with health regulations, and collaborating with community partners. This position offers a chance to impact community health through innovative programs and collaboration.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Health benefits

Qualifications

• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public health.
• 4 years of leadership experience in a public health position.
• Ability to supervise personnel effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Health Promotion Division and grant development.
• Develop departmental operating procedures and goals.
• Lead grant writing activities and research funding opportunities.

Skills

Knowledge of community health needs

Skill in leadership and management

Proficient in written English

Strong communication skills

Proficient skill in using Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Under general direction from the Director of Public Health, provides leadership for the management and operation of the division of Health Promotion. Establishes goals, objectives and reviews progress within the division as related to grant reporting and community health needs. Develops policies related to activities and service delivery. Coordinates with other divisions and outside agencies on health promotion related issues. Independently initiates seeking grants from a wide array of funding sources that align with the work of the Health Promotion division, Fargo Cass Public Health and the needs of Cass County. The Health Promotion Director will split their work time between administrative tasks, grant seeking, working with the Director of Public Health in the development of department plans, and direct community health education as a backup and support to the Health Promotion Division.

Scope of Responsibility

The Health Promotion Director is responsible directly for the management of the Health Promotion Division and grant development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
• Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
• Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.
• Respond to Public Health Emergencies
• Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job.
• Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;
• During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
• Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the supervisor responsible or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; ensures that each employee:
• Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the supervisor responsible or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Develops and recommends goals and objectives for the Health Promotion Division and assures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations that apply to services provided.
• Develops, recommends and implements operating procedures and programs in order to accomplish departmental and grant goals and objectives;
• Shares the goals and objectives with staff to ensure understanding of the mission of public health;
• Maintains knowledge of current trends, technology, innovations, and best practices in the field.
• In cooperation with other area health care providers and county emergency preparedness personnel, ensure readiness to respond effectively to a public health crisis or other emergency situations.
• Works with agency staff, community partners, regional and state public health agencies to develop detailed and coordinated plans for the delivery of services in emergency situations (i.e., medical, natural disaster);
• Develops internal department plans for execution of emergency public health services such as ensuring appropriate staffing levels, planning for transporting, and facilitating their role as part of the incident command structure.
• In conjunction with internal and external representatives, provides input on communication strategy to ensure a consistent message is mass distributed to reach the community population.
• Provides overall leadership and direction to Health Promotion Division staff directly.
• In cooperation with City Human Resources, is responsible for department personnel administration and the administration of personnel policies;
• Makes decisions on matters of hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, recall, promotion, termination, assignment, reward, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees under the span of control;
• Plans the work schedule to meet department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels;
• Leads staff in maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective performance;
• Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for assigned employees;
• Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training;
• Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities;
• Regularly meets with department management staff to discuss ongoing department needs, goals and objectives;
• Ensures departmental and individual compliance with statutes, rules and regulations, including but not limited to City policy, FLSA, ADA, Aff…
• Conducts internal investigations, as appropriate, into allegations of employee misconduct, infractions of statutes, policies, rules and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Directs the preparation of the line‑item budget for division of Health Promotion, working closely with the Director of Public Health and the Public Health Accountant to integrate the budget into the overall Public Health budget, and manages department operations to comply with the budget.
• Develops, recommends and monitors the budget including the incorporation of individual program and operating budgets by reviewing past expenditures, analyzing future needs and making determinations regarding the necessary resources to meet community needs;
• Approves expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines;
• Monitors staffing levels, work schedules and year‑to‑date overtime balances and directs adjustments as necessary to remain within budget limits.
• Leads the Public Health Department in grant writing activities.
• Researching funding opportunities: Identifying potential grants from government agencies, foundations, and private donors that align with the organization’s mission and needs.
• Writing and editing proposals: Crafting persuasive and well‑researched grant applications, narratives, and letters of inquiry (LOIs). This includes adapting the writing style and tone for various audiences.
• Managing the application process: Overseeing the entire workflow from initial research to final submission, ensuring all application requirements are met.
• Collaborating with internal teams: Working closely with finance staff, and other divisions to gather data, develop project budgets, and ensure a cohesive proposal.
• Data collection: Compiling and synthesizing internal information, such as financial statements and program outcomes, to support the grant proposal.
• Budgeting: Developing or assisting with the budget reporting and tracking systems for grant proposals and awards.
• Maintaining a grants calendar: Tracking deadlines for submissions and follow‑up reports to ensure nothing is missed.
• Post‑award reporting: Assisting in the preparation and submission of timely and accurate reports on the use of grant funds.
• Relationship‑building: Establishing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with current and prospective funders.
• Compliance: Ensuring all applications and reporting adhere to funder guidelines and regulations.
• Reports information to the Board of Health detailing the activities and accomplishments of the Health Promotion division.
• Provides leadership and collaboration with hospitals, schools, clinics and other organizations to plan and implement programs that improve the health of the community.
• Represents the department on various committees at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Develops and monitors processes for handling complaints within the department.
• Promotes the services and resources provided by the division through outreach, public speaking and media contacts; prepares informational materials and articles for publication and public distribution.
• Performs other duties and activities assigned.

The job requires a bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field, with a master’s degree preferred, and seven years of progressively responsible experience, including four years of leadership experience in a public health leadership position and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of community health needs
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public health
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, programs and services relating to public health practices.
• Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, delegation, discipline, etc.
• Skill in leadership and management to coordinate the diverse activities of work units, towards the achievement of common goals
• Skill in organization and prioritizing work;
• Skill in oral and written presentation;
• Skill in recordkeeping;
• Proficient in written English sufficient to read manuals, instructions, and to write compelling grant applications and community health reports.
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, clients, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to provide and receive work direction;
• Proficient skill in using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel spreadsheets;
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills;
• Ability to select competent personnel and to train them to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner;
• Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to build trust and influence the culture of the department.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Most work is performed in a normal office environment. Work is generally light with considerable variety. Daily work involves extensive computer and phone use, moving between buildings and rooms. Driving is required weekly. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Light Work

Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The job may require dealing with individuals who are emotionally charged. There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases and environmental hazards.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at-will employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.