Overview

Are you a collaborative, visionary leader passionate about community health? The Vermont Department of Health is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to lead our interdisciplinary team in the Burlington District Office. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Vermonters.

As District Director, you'll guide a dedicated team of Public Health Nurses, Nutritionists, Specialists, and Administrative staff in advancing a culture of health throughout Vermont's most populous region. You'll serve as a key connector-building relationships with hospitals, health care providers, schools, coalitions, and other partners to assess community needs and implement public health solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mobilize and motivate staff and community partners to promote healthy communities
• Lead local public health planning, implementation, and evaluation initiatives
• Develop programs aimed at reducing chronic disease prevalence
• Engage in health care reform efforts at the community level
• Oversee emergency preparedness and support public health response efforts
• Continuously assess office and community needs, adapting strategies to emerging trends

What We're Looking For:

• Proven success in team leadership, supervision, and personnel management
• Strong skills in strategic planning, facilitation, and community assessment
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders
• Solid understanding of public health principles and practices
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and analytical abilities

This is more than a management role-it's an opportunity to lead transformative public health efforts that shape healthier futures for Vermont communities.

Ready to lead with purpose?
Apply now to be part of a forward-thinking team that's committed to health equity and community well-being.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE 

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.  

TELEWORK 
State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work.  Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance. 
 

MISSION - Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies. 

VISION - All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.    

VALUES 

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.      
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.  
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.  
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve. 
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data. 

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Services District Director II (Job Requisition #54304), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Chad Spooner at [email protected].

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties primarily performed in public health organization setting or in the community with predictable need for travel to numerous meetings, both local and statewide. Private means of transportation must be available. Possible travel in difficult weather conditions.

There is considerable interaction with staff, community partners and the public. At times of public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.) individuals may be expected to assist. Work outside of normal office hours is often necessary. Program issues may require difficult choices among resources available and district needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in public health, public administration, nursing or a closely related field AND six (6) years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, health education, nursing or a human services field INCLUDING two (2) years in management, administration or program planning AND two (2) years or more in a supervisory role of staff and operations.

OR

Bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, nursing or a closely related field AND eight (8) years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, health education, nursing or a human services field INCLUDING two (2) years or more in management, administration or program planning AND two (2) years or more in a supervisory role of staff and operations.

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the osition. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.