Public Health Director

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Public Health Director to lead the development and implementation of Countywide public health policies, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations. The Public Health Director will be responsible for developing, managing and implementing public health policy and emergency preparedness and response (EP&R); managing population-level medical epidemiology work with an understanding of how social determinants of health impact population health. Additionally this position will lead the enforcement of health-related Virginia Code; and serving as the primary County spokesperson for public health matters, especially in times of health emergencies. This position represents Arlington's health district for the Virginia Department of Health.

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Specific duties include:

• Conducting risk assessments and recommending mitigation strategies for communicable diseases, environmental health threats, and other public health hazards;
• Directing emergency preparedness and response efforts, serving as Incident Commander during public health emergencies;
• Overseeing epidemiological investigations and data analysis to track disease trends and inform policy decisions;
• Ensuring compliance with Virginia health codes and enforcement of public health laws in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health;
• Supervising key personnel, including the Medical Director, Assistant Division Director for Public Health Protection, Preparedness & Response, and the Nurse Manager;
• Providing medical consultation and guidance for public health programs, including immunization clinics, family planning services, and school health initiatives;
• Collaborating with state and regional health officials, as well as the community and external stakeholders, to develop and implement public health initiatives; engaging in public health planning, including conducting community health assessments and contributing to strategic health improvement plans;
• Reviewing and approving clinical protocols, treatment guidelines, and public health interventions to ensure best practices are followed;
• Advising the County Manager and DHS leadership on public health threats, resource allocation, and emergency response strategies;
• Monitoring and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of public health services through performance management and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with hospitals, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community organizations to strengthen public health programs; and
• Providing oversight on occupational health policies affecting County employees and ensuring workplace health and safety standards are met.

Minimum:

• Completion of the requirements for graduation with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited college or university.
• Significant and progressively responsible experience leading or directing a public health organization to include considerable experience working with local, state or federal government officials.
Completion of an approved residency in preventive medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or family practice.

Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following

• Master of Public Health or equivalent in public health or healthcare administration from an accredited university.
Certification in Public Health (CPH) or Board Certification in preventative medicine

Licenses/Certifications:

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or willingness to use alternative modes of transportation. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. An offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in a hybrid work environment. Occasional work hours outside of normal schedule may be required.

This position is in the Arlington County Government’s Senior Program Management program, in which Senior Program Managers are eligible for a negotiated salary/benefits package and are evaluated and compensated on the basis of a performance agreement linked to the County Management Plan, and results achieved. This is a flexible total rewards/compensation system directly linked to performance and the market.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Note: This recruitment is open continuous, with a preferred filing date of April 11, 2025. Applications submitted by this date will receive first consideration. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Qualified applicants in this first group will be referred to the hiring manager and interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. Applications received after April 8, 2025, may be considered only if a hire is not made from applicants received by the preferred filing date. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received.

Please note: A complete application will include a letter of interest and resume. Please provide a letter of interest and resume (or use the space within the Supplemental Questionnaire) to address how your education, work experience, and training makes you the best candidate for this position by addressing both the minimum qualifications and the desirables.

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