PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STRATEGIST

City of Worcester; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Worcester is seeking a Public Health and Human Services Strategist for the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the direction of the Commissioner, the strategist will plan, coordinate, and advance strategic initiatives across departments, agencies, and partners to translate priorities into action.

The role emphasizes project management, policy analysis, research, program development, and performance measurement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public health and human services systems and emerging issues.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, project management, program development, policy analysis, performance management, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of governmental operations and applicable laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of grant-funded programs, contracts, and monitoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage complex projects and translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex strategic projects and initiatives with plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and success measures.
• Conduct research and policy analysis on emerging public health and human-services issues and governance.
• Translate data, community needs, and policy direction into practical recommendations and programs.
• Coordinate cross-divisional initiatives and facilitate collaboration across departments and partners.
• Develop briefing materials, reports, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve coordination, efficiency, and delivery of services.

Skills

Project management

Policy analysis

Data interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, health administration, or related field

Master’s degree in public health, public administration, public policy, health administration, business administration, social work, or related field

Job description

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STRATEGIST

Title:

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STRATEGIST

Department/Division:

Public Health

Apply Start Date:

10/16/2026

Apply End Date:

Type:

Full Time

Hours:

40 Per Week

Wage:

$71,296 - $93,378 annually

Description:

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STRATEGIST
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Health and Human Services Strategist for the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the direction of the Commissioner of HHS, the Public Health & Human Services Strategist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and advancing strategic initiatives of the department. The position provides professional-level project management, policy analysis, research, program development, performance management, and implementation support for complex initiatives involving public health and human services. The Public Health and Human Services Strategist works across departmental divisions and with other City departments, governmental agencies, healthcare systems, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and other partners to translate departmental priorities into actionable strategies and work plans.

Areas of work in this position may include public health, behavioral health, substance use prevention, treatment and recovery, homelessness and housing stability, youth and family services, older adults, veterans, health equity, social determinants of health, and other health and human services priorities.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Lead and support complex strategic projects and special initiatives identified by HHS executive leadership, developing project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and measures of success.
• Conduct research and policy analysis regarding emerging public health and human-services issues, evidence-based practices, governmental policies, legislation, regulations, and innovative municipal approaches.
• Translate research, data, community needs, and policy direction into practical recommendations, implementation strategies, programs, and operational improvements.
• Coordinate cross-divisional initiatives involving Public Health and other HHS divisions, and facilitate collaboration among internal departments and external partners
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental strategic plans, policies, programs, and service-delivery models.
• Develop briefing materials, reports, memoranda, presentations, recommendations, and other materials for HHS leadership, City administration, boards and commissions, elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve coordination, efficiency, accessibility, and effectiveness of public health and human-services programs and recommend appropriate operational or policy changes.
• Support HHS projects from research and planning through implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement and provide strategic support to Department leadership on emerging community needs and high-priority initiatives.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement processes involving community organizations, service providers, healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, residents, and individuals with lived experience.
• Research funding opportunities while supporting the creation of grant proposals and implementation plans and help monitor major grants and contracts to ensure activities and outcomes align with departmental priorities and funding requirements.
• Provide project management and technical assistance to HHS divisions undertaking new programs, organizational changes, process improvements, or other strategic initiatives.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with municipal departments, state and federal agencies, healthcare institutions, academic partners, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues affecting public health and human services and advise departmental leadership regarding potential impacts, opportunities, and recommended responses.
• Perform related work as required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of public health and human services systems, programs, policies, and emerging issues.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to strategic planning, project management, program development, policy analysis, performance management, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of governmental operations, including municipal administrative and budgetary processes and applicable local, State, and Federal laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of grant‑funded programs, funding opportunities, contracts, and program monitoring.
• Knowledge of methods used to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate quantitative and qualitative information.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage complex projects and strategic initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze complex issues, identify options, and develop practical and well‑supported recommendations.
• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, funding requirements, and other guidance relevant to public health and human services.
• Ability to translate research, data, policy, and community needs into actionable strategies, programs, and operational improvements.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials and staff, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, service providers, residents, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary and cross‑organizational projects where participants may have different responsibilities, priorities, and perspectives.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports, memoranda, presentations, grant materials, project plans, and other professional documents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong research, policy analysis, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and communicate complex information clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, health administration, human services, public policy, social work, or a related field AND;
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and seven (7) years of relevant experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered in lieu of above requirement(s).
• Experience managing projects or strategic initiatives involving multiple programs, departments, organizations, or community partners.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
• Experience conducting research, analyzing information, and developing recommendations, reports, policies, programs, or implementation strategies.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in public health, public administration, public policy, health administration, business administration, social work, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public health, human services, government, healthcare, nonprofit administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in program or project management, strategic planning, policy development, or implementation of complex initiatives.
• Experience with grant‑funded programs, contract management, budgeting, procurement, or development of funding proposals.
• Experience working in municipal, state, or other governmental settings.
• Experience developing or implementing initiatives involving multiple governmental, healthcare, nonprofit, or community partners.

HIRING RANGE: $71,296 - $93,378 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.