Deputy Director, Public Health

Deschutes County Health Services supports over 400 staff in Behavioral and Public Health programs working to promote and protect the health and safety of the community in a broad variety of community-based settings.

This position is part of Public Health service area, which works to keep people healthy and safe by striving to improve and protect the health of people in Deschutes County. This work includes: disease prevention, surveillance and control; food and consumer safety; assuring clean and safe drinking water; ensuring access to essential health services; providing education about healthy lifestyles; implementing strategies to reduce and prevent high-risk behaviors among youth;

and responding to pandemics and emerging threats, outbreaks and other events.

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

• This position is open until filled.
• Applications will be referred weekly on Tuesdays by end of day.
• Anticipated Interview
  
  Schedule:
  
  Virtual screening interviews on October 13, 2026, and in-person interviews the week of October 26, 2026.

The Deputy Director of Public Health serves as a member of the Health Services department's executive management team and is responsible for the oversight of a wide variety of public health programs. This position plans, organizes, directs, and controls the day-to-day operations of the department's Public Health service area.

• Providing overall strategic direction and planning, developing, and implementing public health programs to meet the needs of the community.
• Defining the concepts, methodology, and administrative procedures to conduct and evaluate various public health programs.
• Overseeing and managing the activities of all service area personnel to ensure that public health services are delivered professionally, effectively, timely, and in accordance with policies, budgets, goals, and regulations.
• Participating in a leadership role in quality improvement systems and processes; providing technical or professional assistance and direction, particularly in disease outbreak or emergency.
• Initiating or approving selection, evaluation, transfer, promotion, and performance management of employees.
• Maintaining key partnerships with state and local officials, community-based organizations, and health care providers.
• Developing, balancing, and monitoring program budgets and cost centers in collaboration with service area managers, the department director and business manager.
• Preparing work plan objectives, long-range goals, and annual reports; and assuring continued development and training of staff members.

Knowledge of or experience with:

• Oregon Administrative Rules and standards.
• Federal, state and county laws, codes, rules, and regulations governing public health services.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Regional health protocols and compliance standards for health issues.
• Research and statistical evaluation principles and methods.
• Techniques for investigating and resolving public health issues.
• Healthcare transformation and vision development.

• Interpreting and applying county, state, and federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Providing oversight, supervision, and recommendations to public health professionals.
• Applying public health or public administration principles and practices in a regulatory environment.
• Working effectively with others to develop solutions.
• Managing complex budget from multiple revenue streams.
• Solving complex public health issues and managing legal issues for staff.
• Leading creative, innovative, and progressive thinking in a fast-paced environment.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

* This posting is not meant to be an…