City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Austin Public Health

Oversees the development, coordination, and administration of Austin Public Health (APH) programs, policies, and practices for the City of Austin; responsible for establishing programs that include assessing the impact of public health practices to the City and the community; and provides balance to the City’s objectives for prevention, early detection, and enhancing continuity of services. 

1. Manages and coordinates the City of Austin’s APH programs and activities with other City departments, governmental entities, and outside agencies
2. Provides highly reliable and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s Office.
3. Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities; determines appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
4. Plans, manages, and develops the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; and directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures.
5. Analyzes operations to evaluate performance of programs and resources in meeting objectives, and identifies areas of potential duplication of services, opportunities for program improvement, and policy change.
6. Acts as official departmental representative to City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies; and explains and justifies department programs, policies, and activities.
7. Briefs and advises City management, the Mayor and Council, other elected officials, community members, and the public regarding public health administration in-person and through written reports. Provides advice and information on public health services concerns.
8. Ensures productivity, efficiency, and quality of services of the APH Department.
9. Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources.
10. Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, outside agencies, and other governmental entities.
11. Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with boards and commissions, outside agencies, City employees, and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field, plus seven (7) years of related experience managing health programs in the public sector, including two (2) years of experience in a managerial or executive capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.