Public Health Division Manager

Salary : $121,430.40 - $147,804.80 Annually
Location : Merced County Department of Public Health 260 E 15th Street Merced, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Public Health
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 20C Management

Examples of Duties
The Division Manager will serve as a Senior Manager in the Community Health and Wellness Division, playing a crucial role in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and oversight of complex public health programs. This position demands a highly skilled leader with a blend of dynamic professional leadership and exceptional administrative management capabilities. The Division Manager will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of effective and efficient public health services; identifying, pursuing and funding opportunities to support division priorities and program sustainability; and fostering strong partnerships within the community and across agencies. As a key member of the leadership team, the Division Manager will guide the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement of public health initiatives, ensuring they meet the needs of Merced County's diverse populations.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops, evaluates and monitors programmatic objectives and goals.
• Plans, organizes, manages, implements and oversees all functions for public health services and programs as assigned.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the development and submission of grant applications.
• Prepares program strategic plans and negotiates with the State on grant proposals and program budgets.
• Reviews, corrects and signs all program invoices for submission to the State or as directed.
• Develops Board Agenda Items relating to programs managed.
• Represents the County at local, regional and State meetings and conferences; represents the Public Health Department on community boards and organizations.
• Directs and evaluates the work of subordinate managers and supervisors
• Develops service and program information to keep key partners and community stakeholders informed.
• Advises staff on the application of program policies and public health laws and regulations.
• Maintains a working knowledge of legislative impact that may directly or indirectly affect related programs.
• Evaluates effectiveness of program policies and practices; formulates new ones as necessary.
• Investigates and analyzes data for development and operation of special programs.
• Coordinates services County-wide with schools and private and public agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:
Five (5) years of experience working in healthcare, managed care organization, medical health care agency or related setting, two (2) of which must have been in a position of supervision and/or management. A Master's degree in public health, administration (health, business, program, public or related), social sciences, natural sciences or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Education:
Graduation from an accredited institution with a Bachelor's Degree in public health, administration (health, business, program, public or related), social sciences, natural sciences or closely related field.

License:
Some positions may require licensure. Any additional licensure relevant to the applicable division is strongly desired.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B MERCED COUNTY
Essential Functions

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Direct research and special projects as needed.
• Provide expertise, consultation and assistance in the areas of public health and disease investigation, analysis and reporting.
• Establish, implement and measure goals and objectives; possess critical thinking capacity to identify opportunities for improvement when necessary.
• Administer budget, personnel and programs.
• Make presentations in a variety of public and community settings.
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate conclusions.
• Meet deadlines under stressful conditions; complete multiple projects with conflicting deadlines.
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
• Train, evaluate and supervise staff; establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Frequent repetitive hand and arm motion; occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Public health issues and problems; principles, methods, and procedures of community health education, communicable diseases or continuous quality improvement.
• State, Local and federal laws governing the provision of public health services.
• Causes, means of transmission, and method of control of communicable diseases; and importance of reporting mandated diseases to the state timely.
• Locating community resources and demography; principles of public health education.
• Budget development, grant writing and grant procurement, and fiscal planning and control.
• Research and understand social, economic and equity issues impacting populations and program areas.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate complex program activities and diverse staff.
• Develop and monitor program budgets; develop, analyze and interpret program data.
• Plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of assigned nursing and public health staff.
• Build coalitions among groups with differing needs and objectives.
• Train, assist, and direct professional in planning and executing programs.
• Perform program planning and evaluation work; prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively represent assigned programs with the community and other government agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.