Deputy Director of Public Health

Job Description - Deputy Director of Public Health (26142030)

Position Title:

Deputy Director of Public Health - (26142030)

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Director's Office.

The mission of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is to serve Montanans in their communities by improving health, safety, and well-being, and empowering independence. DPHHS administers a wide range of public health and human services programs and employs approximately 3,000 people. Programs and operations are organized into four functional areas under the Department Director. Each area is headed by a leader who provides executive leadership and oversees operations, and coordinates objectives and outcomes with the Department Director, to whom this position directly reports.

This position is the Deputy Director for Public Health, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of Montana''s public health infrastructure and programs. The Deputy Director for Public Health provides executive leadership of the Public Health and Safety Division, encompassing comprehensive public health services including communicable disease prevention and control, chronic disease prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness and response, health promotion, vital records and statistics, laboratory services, and population health initiatives. This position oversees the Public Health and Safety Division Administrator. The Deputy Director for Public Health serves on the Director''s executive leadership team. This position is responsible for ensuring the integration and alignment of public health activities with the Department''s Medicaid and Health Services operations and other health and human services programs to achieve optimal population health outcomes and maximize federal funding opportunities.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana''s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Comprehensive knowledge of public health principles, practices, and the 10 Essential Public Health Services including assessment, policy development, assurance, epidemiology, disease surveillance, prevention strategies, and population health approaches.
• Knowledge of governmental structure, functions, programs, and organizational relationships and the laws, rules, and regulations that govern public health operations and Medicaid and Health Services programs in the State of Montana.
• Understanding of Medicaid policy, financing mechanisms, and opportunities for integrating public health activities with Medicaid programs to achieve population health goals and maximize federal funding.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that integrate public health programs with clinical care delivery, Medicaid services, and health systems to create coordinated approaches for disease prevention, health promotion, and population health management.
• Knowledge of federal public health programs, cooperative agreements, and funding mechanisms including CDC, HRSA, EPA, and other federal partners, as well as federal-state Medicaid financing and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of public administration including the legislative process, rulemaking procedures, and management of programs with statewide impact on population health.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills to represent the Department on public health matters, provide testimony, and educate diverse audiences about public health issues and policies.
• Ability to build effective networks and partnerships with local health departments, tribal health programs, healthcare systems, Medicaid providers, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and federal agencies.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to challenging public health problems including health disparities, chronic disease burden, emerging infectious diseases, and environmental health threats.
• Ability to establish credibility as a public health leader and develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the health and human services spectrum.
• Meet minimum qualifications:

o Master''s degree in public health, health administration, epidemiology, public policy, public administration, or closely related field of study.

o Five years of progressive leadership experience in public health program management, health policy development, population health initiatives, or related health and human services programs.

o Demonstrated experience in public health operations including disease surveillance, prevention programs, health promotion, emergency preparedness, or environmental health.

o Experience with stakeholder management, governmental relations, legislative processes, and complex regulatory environments.

o Other combinations of education and experience may be considered

• Preferred Qualifications:

o Doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, DrPH, JD) in public health, medicine, epidemiology, health policy, or related discipline.

o Certification in public health (CPH) or equivalent professional credentials.

o Senior leadership experience in state or local public health agencies, health departments, or integrated health systems.

o Strong knowledge of behavioral health services and systems.

o Experience with Medicaid program operations, population health management, value-based payment models, or rural and frontier health services delivery systems.

o Knowledge of tribal health systems, Indian Health Service programs, and culturally responsive public health approaches.

o Established relationships with Montana legislators, agency leaders, tribal governments, and public health stakeholders.

o Experience with public health emergency response, incident command systems, and crisis management.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

152,424.00 - 152,424.00 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Aug 11, 2026, 9:15:44 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Ongoing

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Erin Sampson | Contact Email: Erin.Sampson@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-7852 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.