Public Health Director #51136

Burke County Public Health; Morganton (NC); On-site; USD 123,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke County Public Health is seeking a Public Health Director to lead the Health Department’s planning, coordination and oversight of programs and staff. The role requires strong budget management, strategic vision, and effective communication with local, regional, and state partners.

The position involves implementing health initiatives, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with county and state regulations. A doctoral or MPH/MPA with relevant health leadership experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Medical doctorate or MPH with health program/health services experience as required.
• Experience supervising diverse health department staff and programs.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee public health initiatives and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, leads, manages, and coordinates the Health Department operations and programs, including facilities, resources, equipment, and staff.
• Evaluates and improves public health programs in collaboration with stakeholders and leadership.
• Hires, trains, evaluates performance, and handles disciplinary actions as needed.
• Serves as the department’s primary representative with local, regional, and state partners.
• Executes duties under NCGS 130A-45.5 with County involvement.
• Receives and resolves citizen and external agency requests and issues.
• Partners with community leaders to advance public health initiatives and education.
• Develops, prepares, and oversees the departmental budget and forecasts operational needs.
• Works with finance to manage contracts, grants, reimbursements, and purchase orders.
• Communicates effectively with officials, the public, and staff in writing and orally.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Time management

Supervisory experience

Policy development

English proficiency

Education

Medical doctorate

MPH in Public Health Administration

MPH in other discipline

MPA in Public Administration

PH-related degree + 3+ yrs supervisory

Public health-related bachelor's + 7 yrs exp

Job description

Public Health Director #51136

Department: Health

Hiring Range: $123,000.00 - $150,000.00

FLSA Status: Exempt

Closing Date: September 25, 2026

To be considered, a completed application and resume must be submitted prior to the closing date of September 25th at 5pm.

General Statement Of Duties

This managerial position is responsible for the planning, coordination and oversight of the Burke County Public Health Department. Work includes implementation and evaluation of health programs, administrative direction of Public Health staff, and promotion of public health to the citizens of Burke County. Considerable initiative and judgement are required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Organizes and oversees Public Health Department personnel decisions such as hiring, promotions, demotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Oversees Public Health Department personnel performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
• Organizes and oversees training and work of assigned Public Health Department personnel

Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversees, leads, manages, and coordinates the operations of the Health Department and its programs; including the management of facility, resources, equipment, and staff
• Evaluates and continuously improves Public Health programs in collaboration with department staff, County leadership, and the governing board.
• Participates and oversees the hiring and training of assigned personnel, including conducting performance evaluations and handling disciplinary actions as necessary
• Serves as the department’s primary representative with local, regional and state partners.
• In collaboration with the Burke County Board of Commissioners and County Manager, executes the duties and authorities as outlined in NCGS 130A-45.5.
• Receives, reviews, evaluates, and works to resolve complaints, project requests, and other issues from citizens, Health Department staff, County personnel, and external agencies.
• Partners with community leaders and organizations to advance public health initiatives, strengthen health education and improve public health outcomes.
• Develops, prepares and oversees the departmental budget, including the forecasting of future operational needs, monitoring of expenses, and ensuring department compliance within the annual operating budget.
• Works with department finance staff and County Finance team to manage contracts, grant funds, state reimbursements, and purchase orders related to the department’s services and programs.
• Effectively communicates (orally and in writing) with all public officials, county officials, the general public, and other employees
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Required Education And Experience

• A medical doctorate; or
• A masters degree in Public Health Administration, and at least one year of employment experience in health programs or health services; or
• A masters degree in a public health discipline other than public health administration, and at least three years of employment experience in health programs or health services; or
• A masters degree in public administration, and at least two years of experience in health programs or health services; or
• A masters degree in a field related to public health, and at least three years of experience in health programs or health services; or
• A bachelors degree in a field related to public health and at least seven years of experience in health programs or health services, which must include at least three years of supervisory experience.

Special Requirements (upon Hire, Unless Otherwise Indicated)

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Physical Requirements, Working Conditions, And Occupational Exposures

• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
• Occasionally lifts up to twenty-five (25) pounds
• Occasionally spends time standing and walking
• Frequently spends time sitting, speaking or hearing, and using hands or fingers to handle, feel, type, or text
• Subjected to considerable mental effort and potential stressful situations during day-to-day operations

Required Skills/Abilities

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Ability to express and exchange ideas through verbal communications
• Ability to recognize information at normal spoken word levels
• Must be able to prepare and analyze written or computer data
• Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, motor vehicles, and machines required to perform duties of this position
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources, such as guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to oversee and establish policies and goals for the Health Department
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills

Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job ID #51136 Category Health Status Open Salary Hiring Range: $123,000.00 - $150,000.00 Posted August 24, 2026 8:00 AM Closing September 25, 2026 5:00 PM