Health Preparedness Assist. Bureau Chief Health Planning Administrator

Organization:
Health

Work Location:

246 North High Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, United States

Compensation: $44.38

Schedule:

Permanent - Full Time

Work Hours:

8:00AM-5:00PM

Classified Indicator:
Unclassified

Union:
Exempt from union

Primary Job Skill:
Public Health

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans. Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish.

The Bureau of Health Preparedness (BHP) plays a vital role in this mission. We lead in preparing for and responding to public health threats — from natural disasters and disease outbreaks to bioterrorism and radiological emergencies. We oversee federal funding related to public health and hospital funding to ensure preparedness and readiness for response. Our all-hazards approach ensures Ohio is ready for anything.

ODH is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as Assistant Bureau Chief within the Bureau of Health Preparedness. This role supports statewide efforts in emergency preparedness and response, working closely with the Bureau Chief, internal program managers, and agency leadership to advance a culture of engagement and accountability.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong communicator who can effectively lead managers and staff, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and guide teams through statewide or local disaster responses. The successful candidate must demonstrate skill in strengthening employee relations, bridging communication gaps, and modeling healthy leadership practices.

• Provide leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for bureau operations, including workforce management, program planning, and policy implementation.
• Serve as a key partner to the Bureau Chief and agency leadership in statewide emergency preparedness and response planning, including acting on behalf of the Bureau Chief as assigned.
• Lead and develop managers and staff, cultivating an engaged, positive, and collaborative culture while strengthening communication and employee relations.
• Direct and coordinate multi‑program work plans, budgets, and federal grant activities; ensure alignment with state and federal requirements and agency priorities.
• Represent the bureau with internal and external partners, responding to inquiries, participating in interagency work groups, and supporting emergency response operations as needed (including 24/7 deployments).

• Demonstrated leadership ability in guiding teams through complex or high‑pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and foster a positive work culture.
• Proven experience collaborating across divisions and with executive leadership.
• Clear, concise communication, decision-making, and organizational skills.

Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (Flexible Schedule). This is an exempt hourly position, with a pay range of 15 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule.

Unless required by legislation, the selected candidate will begin at Pay Grade 15, Step 1 of the exempt Pay Range Schedule ($44.38 per hour), with an opportunity for pay increase after six months ($46.88) of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*.

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal,…