Public Health Program Specialist

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY is seeking a dedicated public health professional to manage projects aimed at improving health outcomes in Kansas communities. You'll collaborate with diverse partners, implement systemic changes, and address public health challenges.

The ideal candidate must have a strong background in public health, excellent organization skills, and experience leading projects. This full-time role offers a salary range between $53,000 and $72,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 70+ hours of college coursework required with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Strong ability to lead and manage project plans.
• Knowledge of public health trends and issues vital.

Responsibilities

• Lead various public health initiatives to improve outcomes.
• Implement changes in local health departments.
• Collaborate with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Community engagement strategies

Organizational skills

Education

60 hours in Applied Science or Social Science

7 years in public health field

Job description

Department: Community Engagement Institute

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Downtown Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range for the position is $53,000-$72,000/yr, determined based on qualifications

Work Schedule: General business hours, flexible

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

If you are passionate about public health and ready to make a meaningful impact across Kansas communities, we want to hear from you! This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful initiatives that improve the health and quality of life of Kansans while helping shape the future of public health in Kansas.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects, timelines, budgets, and deliverables simultaneously. Strong communication and relationship‑building skills are essential, along with the ability to facilitate collaboration, engage diverse partners, and support effective project implementation. Take on the challenge of benefiting our community partners and showcase your ability to thrive in diverse projects. Perseverance, adaptability & analytical skills are crucial for success.

Our team, culture & vibes: We believe strong public health systems promote & protect the health of all people & their communities. Self-Paced Innovation, adaptive approaches, high accountability, & versatile roles. Our work looks like coaching leaders to ensure technical proficiency and adaptability; empower the system to learn and respond to changes; providing tailored coalition‑building support and strategic planning.

If your passion lies in this realm, you want to work hard & see the direct impact in your community from the hard work you do, apply now!

Job Summary

Designs, develops, and proposes public health capacity‑building or related processes to proposed clients. Manages all aspects of the project, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed‑upon commitments. Manages multiple clients simultaneously.

Essential Functions

Proposes, secures and delivers work with public health related clients. Manages external partner relationships to ensure the fulfillment of expectations. Supports the conceptualization, design, and delivery of work related to ongoing public health related projects, working primarily in a team environment. Addresses and resolves public health project issues to ensure goals remain on track. Coordinates and prepares reports, materials and presentations to support leaders. Coordinates and/or facilitates project tasks as assigned.

Job Duties

Support and lead a variety of public health initiatives focused on improving health outcomes and strengthening public health systems. Your focus will involve implementing systemic changes in local health departments and standardizing primary data collection. You will leverage your public health knowledge and experience to help guide projects, programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. You will collaborate with a wide range of partners, stakeholders, funders, and organizations to support innovative approaches to public health challenges and advance systems‑level change across the state.

Required Education and Experience

• 60 hours of college coursework in Applied Science or Social Science.
• Seven (7) years of experience in public health related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework beyond 60 hours can be substituted for one (1) year of experience, up to an additional 60 hours.

Required License/Certifications/Training

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of public health trends, issues, programs and services.
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies.
• Ability to lead the development, implementation and completion of project plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners in team member and project leadership roles.
• Monitor and track multiple project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Engage and mobilize external partners to address challenges and advance project and organizational goals.
• Strong organizational, communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement

None