Agency Director

Agency Director

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

188599

Agency

SCDPH

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

6/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Please complete the online application.

Class Code:

UA01

Position Number:

61005799

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

Unclassified

Hiring Range - Min.

$186,903.00

Opening Date

05/19/2026

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks a visionary executive to serve as Agency Head. In this cabinet-level role reporting directly to the Governor, you will lead the states primary public health agency to protect and improve the well-being of all South Carolinians. You will direct a dedicated statewide workforce, manage a major budget, and drive innovative health policies. If you are a proven leader ready to transform complex healthcare systems and champion public service, we invite you to steer DPH forward.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the Department of Public Health (DPH), ensuring all efforts are consistent with the agency's strategic plan.

• Serve as the State Public Health Officer.

• Provide clear communication to the public, stakeholders, and elected officials on public health issues.

• Develop and implement innovative programs designed to improve the health of every South Carolinian.

• Work to prevent disease and improve well-being using evidence-based approaches.

• Ensure healthcare facilities licensed by DPH provide safe, high-quality care.

• Ensure wise use of taxpayer dollars, increasing efficiency whenever possible.

• Lead public health efforts before, during, and after a disaster or crisis.

• Work with stakeholders across the state to implement the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).

• Modernize health departments across the state to meet the current and future needs of South Carolinians.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible executive medicine leadership experience leading to a senior-level position, preferably with a large multi-site organization.

Additional Requirements

• Experience working in the public health field.
• Experience working closely with executive-level leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Highly effective communication skills and comfort with public speaking.
• Proven capacity to lead through crisis situations and the ability to clearly communicate appropriate courses of action.
• Exceptional listening skills and experience with analyzing and using scientific evidence and data to guide decision making

Preferred Qualifications

• A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree from an accredited higher education institution and a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in South Carolina.
• A Master or Doctorate of Public Health (M.P.H./Dr.P.H.) is preferred.

Additional Comments

In accordance with the rules governing salaries for agency heads covered by the Agency Head Salary Commission, the initial hiring salary for this position will be the minimum of the pay range for this position which is currently $186,903. Salary increase above this amount may be provided based on credentials and experience contingent upon recommendation of the Department of Public Health and approval of the Agency Head Salary Commission.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency SCDPH Address 400 Otarre Parkway

Cayce, South Carolina, 29033

Phone 803-898-7308

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.