Director of Public Health Jobs
Director of Public Health jobs are open across government agencies, health systems, nonprofits, and academic institutions, from program manager to deputy commissioner level, with specializations in epidemiology, health equity, and emergency preparedness. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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INTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Public Safety is responsible for the planning (strategic and tactical), technology evaluation and selection, implementation, delivery, and assessment of the Public Safety’s technology infrastructure systems and services. They oversee the managers and directors of various Public Safety units, foster high-performing and agile teams, and effectively utilize the department’s technological, financial, and human resources. This position is responsible for all IT operations, projects and programs supporting the Police Department, Department of Prisons, The Public Safety PMO, and the Public Safety Legacy Systems group. This is both an operational and a strategic role.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Strategic Planning & Budgeting:
- Creates Public Safety IT roadmaps that leverage modern design principles and technologies that effectively meet both current and future agency needs.
- In partnership with Public Safety department stakeholders, leads strategic planning to improve efficiency and effectiveness through IT programs.
- Oversees Public Safety program execution and solution delivery.
- Provides oversight to all Public Safety IT programs including requirements gathering, user-centered design, implementation, and assessment.
- Participates in the management of the operating and capital budgets for the OIT Public Safety department.
- Leads the evaluation of Public Safety solutions that meet short and long-term goals and develops business cases to guide their selection.
-
Recommends IT enhancements and investments, where appropriate, to support the City’s Public Safety strategic goals and technology priorities.
-
Service Delivery & Optimization:
- Directs the day-to-day operations for areas within their purview.
- Ensures high availability and reliability of the IT infrastructure ecosystem.
- Identifies appropriate industry standards, legislative requirements, City policies, OIT procedures, and best practices for technology management and support, and ensures they are consistently implemented across the department.
- Continually assesses and improves departmental processes, services, and systems.
- Identifies and implements key metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) for Public Safety IT services.
-
Provides oversight and manages Public Safety vendors holding them accountable to service level agreements and deliverables and manages contract renewals.
-
Management & Leadership:
- Builds, supports, and expands a culture that is supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employees from all backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
- Trains, coaches, and mentors employees under their supervision.
- Builds strong and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across the City and State by actively participating in City and State activities and initiatives.
- Keeps the CTO informed of current and potential issues, activities, operational outages, and any other risks that might jeopardize or degrade service delivery to the Public Safety community including external partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ten plus (10+) years of applicable work experience with 5 or more years of IT management or IT program management experience, preferably in a large governmental environment or a large and highly regulated entity.
- Experience in a management role, with proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to manage high-performing teams, vendors, operations, and budgets.
- Experience leading organizational and/or technology change initiatives with a strong emphasis on relationship-building, collaboration, and shared stewardship.
- Strong written and oral communication skills (including ability to present ideas in user-friendly, business-friendly and technical language).
- Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and business operations.
- Experience in IT planning, strategy, and architecture that supports an organization’s business needs and operations.
- Expertise in one or more of the Public Safety technical domains, including: 911; Police; Prisons; Fire and OEM.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution, influence, and/or consensus-building.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary Range: $120,000 - $149,000 Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications.
Important: To apply, candidates must provide a cover letter and a resume.
Work Setting: in-person (onsite)
The successful applicant will be required to submit to a fingerprint background check per CJIS policy.
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options are available
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
INTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Public Safety is responsible for the planning (strategic and tactical), technology evaluation and selection, implementation, delivery, and assessment of the Public Safety’s technology infrastructure systems and services. They oversee the managers and directors of various Public Safety units, foster high-performing and agile teams, and effectively utilize the department’s technological, financial, and human resources. This position is responsible for all IT operations, projects and programs supporting the Police Department, Department of Prisons, The Public Safety PMO, and the Public Safety Legacy Systems group. This is both an operational and a strategic role.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Strategic Planning & Budgeting:
- Creates Public Safety IT roadmaps that leverage modern design principles and technologies that effectively meet both current and future agency needs.
- In partnership with Public Safety department stakeholders, leads strategic planning to improve efficiency and effectiveness through IT programs.
- Oversees Public Safety program execution and solution delivery.
- Provides oversight to all Public Safety IT programs including requirements gathering, user-centered design, implementation, and assessment.
- Participates in the management of the operating and capital budgets for the OIT Public Safety department.
- Leads the evaluation of Public Safety solutions that meet short and long-term goals and develops business cases to guide their selection.
-
Recommends IT enhancements and investments, where appropriate, to support the City’s Public Safety strategic goals and technology priorities.
-
Service Delivery & Optimization:
- Directs the day-to-day operations for areas within their purview.
- Ensures high availability and reliability of the IT infrastructure ecosystem.
- Identifies appropriate industry standards, legislative requirements, City policies, OIT procedures, and best practices for technology management and support, and ensures they are consistently implemented across the department.
- Continually assesses and improves departmental processes, services, and systems.
- Identifies and implements key metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) for Public Safety IT services.
-
Provides oversight and manages Public Safety vendors holding them accountable to service level agreements and deliverables and manages contract renewals.
-
Management & Leadership:
- Builds, supports, and expands a culture that is supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employees from all backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
- Trains, coaches, and mentors employees under their supervision.
- Builds strong and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across the City and State by actively participating in City and State activities and initiatives.
- Keeps the CTO informed of current and potential issues, activities, operational outages, and any other risks that might jeopardize or degrade service delivery to the Public Safety community including external partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ten plus (10+) years of applicable work experience with 5 or more years of IT management or IT program management experience, preferably in a large governmental environment or a large and highly regulated entity.
- Experience in a management role, with proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to manage high-performing teams, vendors, operations, and budgets.
- Experience leading organizational and/or technology change initiatives with a strong emphasis on relationship-building, collaboration, and shared stewardship.
- Strong written and oral communication skills (including ability to present ideas in user-friendly, business-friendly and technical language).
- Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and business operations.
- Experience in IT planning, strategy, and architecture that supports an organization’s business needs and operations.
- Expertise in one or more of the Public Safety technical domains, including: 911; Police; Prisons; Fire and OEM.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution, influence, and/or consensus-building.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary Range: $120,000 - $149,000 Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications.
Important: To apply, candidates must provide a cover letter and a resume.
Work Setting: in-person (onsite)
The successful applicant will be required to submit to a fingerprint background check per CJIS policy.
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options are available
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
Director of Public Health Jobs by Experience Level
See All 345+ Director of Public Health Jobs
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Find JobsDirector of Public Health Job Market
Who's Hiring
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene29
- UTHealth Houston12
- University of California Berkeley11
- University of Virginia9
- San Francisco Department of Public Health8
Top Industries Hiring
- Education22
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Government & Public Sector2
- Energy1
- Retail1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of public health jobs.
- Master of Public Health (MPH) or related graduate degree required
- Minimum five to ten years of progressive public health program or administration experience
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and government or nonprofit budgets
- Familiarity with epidemiological methods and population health data systems
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local public health regulations and compliance frameworks
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for community outreach and elected official briefings
Tips for Your Director of Public Health Job Search
Tailor your resume to jurisdiction type
Municipal, county, state, and federal public health director roles each emphasize different competencies. Highlight community health planning for local government, policy development for state agencies, and cross-agency coordination for federal or federally funded positions.
Lead with population health outcomes
Hiring panels for director of public health roles want to see measurable impact. Frame your experience around reduced disease burden, improved vaccination rates, or narrowed health disparities rather than listing programs you managed or committees you chaired.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of public health openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings tied to grant cycles
Many director of public health positions open when federal or state grant funding is awarded, often in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year. Filtering by posting date helps you catch newly funded roles before applicant pools grow.
Prepare a policy case study for interviews
Panels frequently ask you to walk through a public health initiative from problem identification through community implementation. Having a concise, structured case study ready that shows your data use, stakeholder engagement, and outcome measurement gives you a clear edge.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
In public health director roles, budget authority, FTE count, and reporting structure vary widely even at similar salary grades. When an offer comes, clarify what departments you will oversee and whether the role has rulemaking or enforcement authority before you accept.
Director of Public Health Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of public healths?
The companies hiring the most director of public healths right now include New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, UTHealth Houston, and University of California Berkeley, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County and state health departments account for a significant portion of active postings at this level.
How many director of public health jobs are remote?
About 61% of director of public health openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most roles require on-site community presence and interagency coordination. Sub-functions most likely to offer remote flexibility include health policy analysis, grant writing leadership, and roles housed within academic or research institutions rather than direct-service agencies.
How do you become a director of public health?
Most directors of public health hold a graduate degree in public health, health administration, or a closely related field, and have worked progressively through roles such as program coordinator, epidemiologist, or assistant director. Building experience managing staff, overseeing community health initiatives, and working directly with government or nonprofit funding cycles is essential before moving into a director-level role.
Can you get hired as a director of public health without direct leadership experience?
It is uncommon but possible to transition into a director of public health role without formal supervisory titles, particularly in smaller jurisdictions or at newly created positions. Candidates who have led cross-agency coalitions, managed grants, or served as principal investigators on public health studies can demonstrate leadership capacity even without a traditional management history. Highlighting outcomes and scope of influence matters more than job titles alone.
What does the director of public health interview process look like?
The interview process for director of public health roles typically includes an initial screening by a human resources or search committee, followed by a panel interview with department heads, elected officials, or community stakeholders. Finalists are often asked to present a vision statement or public health strategy for the jurisdiction. Some processes also include a written exercise or a community forum before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to director of public health jobs?
You can find and apply to director of public health jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that fit your background and location preferences, and apply directly to each listing without leaving the platform.
See All 345+ Director of Public Health Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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