Medical Director - Public Health (Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000)
About this role
What You'll Be Doing
As the Medical Director for Wake County Public Health, you will be a key leader shaping the health and well‑being of our community. In this role, you guide the clinical vision of the department and ensure our services align with the goals of Wake County, the Health Director, the Board of Commissioners, and state and federal mandates.
You will set the standard for medical excellence across Public Health, developing, implementing, and evaluating medical policies and clinical practice guidelines that strengthen care delivery. You’ll serve as the primary physician for public health clinical services, providing medical orders, consultation, and direction to multidisciplinary teams. As a trusted partner to the broader medical community, you will build collaborative relationships that support population health goals and expand access to high‑quality care throughout Wake County.
You will also play a critical leadership role during urgent and emergent public health events, from communicable disease outbreaks to disaster response, helping guide clinical strategy and coordination during times when the community needs it most.
As a member of the Public Health Leadership Team, you will represent the department publicly through media interviews, community presentations, and participation on committees and workgroups, helping communicate important public health issues, priorities, and initiatives.
Essential Functions of the Medical Director include:
Administration & Leadership
- Serves as senior medical administrator supporting Public Health Director in advancing mission, culture, and strategic priorities.
- Oversees all medical services across Public Health, ensuring integration and alignment across clinics, disciplines, and operational units.
- Develops and enforces clinical policies, procedures, standing orders, and provider performance standards.
- Provides oversight for physician/APRN recruitment, credentialing, supervision, and quality of clinical practice.
- Supervises Provider Supervisors and provides medical oversight to clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy staff.
- Conducts leadership rounding to assess team needs, support staff well-being, and improve workflows and patient experience.
- Performs limited direct patient care as mutually agreed upon with department leadership.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensures clinical operations consistently meet regulatory, legal, and ethical standards.
- Leads evaluation of public health programs, quality assurance, utilization review, and cost‑effective service delivery.
- Chairs the Human Subjects Review Panel, ensuring ethical research practices.
- Collaborates with Occupational Health/ Infection Control Nurse to advise on compliance and safety matters.
Occupational Health, Safety & Infection Control
- Provides oversight and guidance for employee health surveillance and occupational health program development.
- Supports creation, implementation, and review of occupational health policies and infection control procedures.
- Advises Health Director on emerging occupational health needs and compliance issues.
About Our Team
At the heart of the Wake County Public Health department is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. We bring together expertise in communicable disease control, environmental health, health education, school health, clinical services, and population health to deliver responsive and equitable services. With a shared mission of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to essential services, we work collaboratively with partners and residents to build a healthier, more resilient community for all of Wake County.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- Doctorate in Medicine (MD or DO) from an accredited college or university
- Residency in Preventative Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, or Internal Medicine
- Five years of post-residency experience, and at least three years of supervisory experience.
- Medical licensures/certification in specialist field
- North Carolina Medical Board licensure or eligibility for NC licensure and must obtain prior to hire date
- DEA registration
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Public Health experience
- At least 3 years of experience leading a large, multidisciplinary team
- Knowledgeable in continuous quality improvement and analysis, planning and development
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Demonstrates strong leadership skills with ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, issues and priorities
- Communicates with clients, colleagues and others through multiple channels including but not limited to email, video conferencing and telehealth platforms
- Ability to communicate with clients from various cultures, backgrounds, belief systems and languages when interpreters are available
- Exceptional critical thinking ability with demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Knowledgeable in continuous review and analysis, planning and development
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and is able to read, write and comprehend English
About This Position
Location: Public Health Building Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: 8:30-5:15PM
Hiring Range: 200,739-321,183
Market Range: 200,739.00 - 361,330.00
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/24/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Company at a glance
Wake County Government provides services including tax collection, library services, local parks administration, planning and permitting, health and human services, law enforcement and more. Wake County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.
Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County, North Carolina is home to NC State University, Shaw University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Wake County is also the center of state government, with our Capitol Building, legislature and many government offices located in Raleigh.
Wake County is the most populous County in North Carolina. The County consists of 12 municipalities and includes Raleigh, the county seat and state capital. A unique mix of urban and rural small towns distinguishes Wake County from other counties and provides something for every lifestyle.
Top Benefits
- Tiered sign-on bonus up to $5,000
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