Health District Manager

posting end date: 03/02/26

• classified as a safety sensitive position*

arkansas department of health

4815 w markham street

little rock, ar 72205

position number:

county: jefferson city: pine bluff

division of local public health – jefferson county local public health unit

additional preferences: frequent in-state and some out-of-state travel may be required. A valid driver’s license is required. Some hours outside of normal work hours may be required for late clinics and/or weekend clinics.

hiring official: k. Higginbotham

the mission of the department of health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all arkansans.

• job series: health programs management
• classification: health district manager – competitive
• class code: php
  05c
• pay grade: spc
  03
• salary range: $71,027 - $105,120

the health district manager is a key regional leadership position within the arkansas department of health (adh) responsible for providing technical assistance, monitoring program implementation, and promoting public health initiatives across a designated multi-county health district. This classification directs operations at local health units (lhus), ensuring that agency programs are executed effectively and in alignment with state and federal guidelines.

provide technical assistance and leadership to lhu administrators and staff to implement public health programs such as immunizations, maternal and child health, environmental health, infectious disease prevention, and emergency preparedness. Monitor program performance and public health outcomes across lhus; analyze trends and identify areas for improvement. Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, agency policies, and quality assurance standards. Manage district budgets, staff allocations, contracts, and operational resources in collaboration with central office teams.

Coordinate emergency response efforts within the district, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and public health threats. Serve as the primary liaison between the district and adh central office leadership, elected officials, community partners, and the public. Promote community engagement, health education, and outreach initiatives that support population health goals. Supervise district-level staff and local health unit administrators; provide guidance, performance evaluation, and professional development opportunities.

skilled in operational planning, priority setting, and resource coordination. Familiarity with core public health functions and programs, particularly as delivered through local health units. Knowledge of arkansas public health laws, administrative rules, and federal funding guidelines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively interact with staff, partners, and community members. Demonstrated ability to assess challenges, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions in a timely manner.

Skilled in data-informed decision-making and using performance metrics to guide strategy.

bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration, environmental health, nursing, social work, life sciences, or a related field, plus three (3) years of experience in a public health, administrative, or program coordination setting.

n/a other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

the state of arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.