The Director of Grand Forks Public Health is responsible for leading the activities and operations of the combined City and County health department.

1. Assume leadership responsibility for all Public Health services, operations, and activities. 
2. Develop a strategic plan for Grand Forks Public Health that includes goals, objectives, and implementation strategies. 
3. Support the mission, vision and values of Grand Forks Public Health as evidenced by compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. 
4. Exhibit effective communication skills, including creative use of agency communication tools and ability to engage with the media and stakeholders in the community. 
5. Engage with partners to conduct community assessments and health improvement plans, serving as a chief health strategist. 
6. Monitor health data and trends to determine priorities for targeting interventions and responding to public health issues.  
7. Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to advance sound public health policy.
8. Assume responsibility for the recruitment and retention of a competent and diverse public health workforce. 
9. Support and facilitate positive interaction with others as evidenced by professionalism, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a variety of viewpoints and diversity in the workplace.
10. Promote quality improvement and performance management throughout the department. 
11. Report to governing entities and administrators including the Grand Forks Board of Health, Grand Forks City Council, Grand Forks County Commission, Mayor, and City and County Administrators.
12. Develop budgets that align with public health strategic initiatives, fairly compensate personnel, and provide the necessary resources to support public health programs. 
13. Assess financial needs of the department and advocate for fiscal resources with funding entities. 
14. Seek new and creative opportunities to conduct research, advance public health and fund programs and services.  
15.  Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge: 

• Public health sciences including epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, environmental health, behavioral health, vector control, emergency preparedness, health equity and other established programs
• Local, state, and federal public health laws and policies 
• Principles of budget preparation, monitoring and reporting 
• Health data collection methods, reporting and analysis, and program evaluation  
• Marketing and social media basics   
• Workplace safety, occupational hazard threat training and employee well-being resources
    

Skills: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication, report preparation and grant writing skills
• Ability to use office equipment and communication technology including software programs
• Team building and mentoring to create an environment of trust and inclusion among personnel 
• Negotiation skills when working with entities with diverse interests or positions 
• Demonstrated leadership competencies including self-awareness and strategic risk taking. 
• Organizational and time management skills 
• Ethical decision-making and confidentiality 
• Coalition building and coordination of multi-agency initiatives  
• Enforcement of public health laws and ordinances, and skills at effecting change through public policy

Abilities: 

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and governmental entities
• Engage elected officials and Health Officer when appropriate to protect public health
• Address public health challenges and issues through an ethics framework. 
• Address and analyze issues, identify solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of public health goals
• Implement strategic thinking and results orientation to public health concerns
• Work independently and as a member of a team; lead diverse teams to achieve goals

Experience:

    Six years of increasingly responsible experience in public health or related field. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience. 

Education or Training:

        Equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public health, public policy, administration, leadership, or related health fields.          

 License or Certificate:

     Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

     Professional licensure, or ability to obtain licensure, if applicable to educational attainment.