Be a part of a dynamic team whose work enriches the health of communities by strengthening city and county health departments. At the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), we are united by our work to improve our country's over 3,300 U.S. local health departments. We represent the voice of local public health while striving to live out our core values of equity, excellence, participation, respect, integrity, leadership, science, and innovation. We provide our employees with meaningful work, opportunities to learn and grow, a strong work/life balance, and a flexible, hybrid work schedule while being a part of a collaborative team.

We are interested in growing our team with passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. The Director of Health Equity and Social Justice will join NACCHO at a time of dynamic growth. This position is important in the Programs Department.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Health Equity and Social Justice organizes and manages a significant function or program of NACCHO, including the supervision of staff members at the Senior Specialist, Specialist or Associate levels. The Director of Health Equity and Social Justice develops the processes and programs required to implement the unit’s strategy and manage the resources of the function - both financial and human. The Director of Health Equity and Social Justice is accountable for the effective day-to-day operations and results of the unit and develops and implements initiatives to ensure results are attained and quality standards are met. Positions at this level typically report to a Senior Director or Senior Advisor and require advanced knowledge and experience in an area of specialization as well as significant management capabilities. Incumbents generally have eight or more years of experience in their discipline and a Bachelors Degree of the equivalent, as well as substantive experience at the Senior Specialist level. Graduate level degrees may be considered in lieu of experience.

The Director of Health Equity and Social Justice will lead NACCHO’s health equity and social justice work by providing expertise, strategic direction, and programmatic and partnership development that builds the health equity and social justice (HESJ) capacity of local health departments as well as the HESJ capacity of NACCHO’s programmatic team. This includes supporting the function and growth of a team of dedicated HESJ staff, comprised of subject matter experts and support/administrative staff, as well as effectively coordinating and collaborating with additional staff across other program areas. This work is a part of NACCHO’s broader Public Health Infrastructure and Systems (PHIS) portfolio, which also includes Performance Improvement and Workforce and Leadership Development. The ideal candidate will have experience in and be a passionate advocate of health focused on equity and social justice, including racial equity, and will creatively and boldly drive change, in support of NACCHO’s local health department members and their community-level efforts. This position will be well versed in and have experience applying principles of health equity and social justice, as well as in coalition building and partnership development. They will have a firm understanding of public health; have a successful track record leading large, multi-year projects and teams; and have strong program and budget management, stakeholder development, presentation, writing, and facilitation skills. They will work with NACCHO’s staff, local health departments, national partners, and funders to build local capacity and create and leverage opportunities that address barriers to health equity through the provision of technical assistance and thought leadership that advances institutional and policy change, programmatic operations and protocols, community outreach and engagement, and data and research. They will oversee and support project activities and objectives, including working with consultants; communicate with the federal and private funders, and other partners and as related to programmatic and project goals; provide subject matter expertise and technical support on health equity-related efforts; and lead portfolio funding diversification efforts, including crafting grant proposals, with the support of the PHIS Senior Director and other staff.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Ensures that regular communication occurs based on the needs of the work, the individual, management or the situation.
• Fosters an environment conducive to open, transparent communications among all levels.
• Makes use of specialized knowledge to assist staff, internal and external stakeholders in resolving problems.
• Uses ‘non-technical’ language skillfully to ensure effective communication with stakeholders and staff from all levels of understanding.
• Considers the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, when making a decision.
• Considers organization’s capabilities, mission, vision, values, and strategic goals and objectives in work efforts.
• Identifies individuals who have the technical expertise to respond to inquiries on specific topics.
• Uses all available information appropriately to guide decisions and negotiations to meet objectives, while acting with integrity.
• Assesses, manages and takes calculated risks to achieve goals.
• Understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization.
• Applies rules and regulations in a consistent, non-biased manner.
• Understands and executes the various stages of the grant lifecycle including pre-award review, grant progress monitoring, and award closure.
• Develops and manages the scope of a project (e.g., project objectives, team, tasks, deliverables, timelines, hours, costs).
• Understands management and organizational principles pertaining to areas of responsibility (e.g., delegations of authority, administrative procedures) in order to plan and conduct complex studies to assess organizational operations.
• Incorporates an awareness of current and future management directives, required functional and technical expertise, resource requirements, and targeted stakeholders into annual plans.
• Analyzes programs for productivity and efficiency gains, and provides recommendations to management officials on the most effective position/skill mix, work processes, organizational structures, etc.
• Translates new performance management policies into actionable goals for one’s own team/program and holds self and others accountable to achieving the goals.
• Provide leadership in recruitment, performance standards and management, goal setting and staff development.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; makes self-available to staff; provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services.; continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; displays orientation to profitability; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; aligns work with strategic goals.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Health Equity and Social Justice – Committed to principles of health equity and social justice and applies them to position responsibilities, team development, programs and practices.
• Budget Management - Obtains financial information from within and outside of an organization for relevant guidance or other information related to unit; Reviews and evaluates the financial data and makes decisions as appropriate; Prepares budget based on direction from budget and finance; Uses guidelines for establishing effective budget objectives; Collaborates across the organization to leverage unit resources and sustain unit activities.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Provides leadership, subject matter expertise, and overall oversight and management of NACCHO’s health equity and social justice portfolio, including to develop and implement capacity-building projects, trainings, tools and resources.
  • Current, key projects include:
    • Local Support for COVID-19 Health Equity: Lead the continuation of a national, CDC funded initiative to provide training, TA, tools and other resources to build large metropolitan and rural-serving LHD health equity infrastructure and partnership capacity as a result of COVID. This includes helping LHDs mobilize partners and collaborators to advance health equity and address the structural and social determinants of health associated with COVID-19 health disparities and inequities, particularly their impacts on high-risk, historically marginalized populations.
    • Resilience Catalysts in Public Health: Oversee CDC-funded project in partnership with George Washington University (GWU) to provide CBTA and facilitate collaborative learning to help participating LHDs address systemic inequities through cross-sector initiatives that foster equity and build community resilience through policy practice and program change.
    • Roots of Health Inequity course: Support team in efforts to ensure the promotion and ongoing evolution of this signature HESJ product, including supporting the development of supplemental resources and tie-in materials for course users.
    • HESJ Workgroup: Support the leadership and administration of NACCHO’s Health Equity and Social Justice Workgroup, comprised of LHD and field experts who assist NACCHO by developing policy statements, advising on issues important to local health departments, and informing NACCHO programs regarding HESJ.
    • Consulting: Support fee-for-service work related to health equity and social justice through NACCHO Consulting.
    • Other Projects: Advise the development and execution of other cross-team projects related to health equity and social justice, including but not limited to leading a HESJ Ambassadors Workgroup and HESJ internship program, and representing NACCHO on national advisory boards.
• Provides overall supervision and mentoring of staff to ensure completion of project activities and professional growth and development.
• Ensures collaboration across program teams to maximize operational effectiveness and value added.
• Works with NACCHO’s Research, Evaluation and Data Communications team by informing process and outcome evaluations of project activities, as well as research opportunities that may arise.
• Oversees development and completion of project workplans and reports.
• Ensures fiscal requirements of projects related to their designated specialty of work are met, including managing program budgets.
• Manages and regularly updates NACCHO’s Health Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan and contributes to long-term team project planning, including identifying future activities.
• Leads portfolio funding diversification efforts, including identifying opportunities and crafting competitive and continuation grant proposals, with the support of other staff.
• Liaisons with other national organizations, industry, and federal, state, and local partners, as appropriate to champion local public health interests.
• Represents the Senior Director or Senior Advisor at internal and external meetings, as designated.
• Serves as principal point of contact for requests and inquiries regarding issues related to NACCHO’s health equity and social justice work and represents NACCHO in appropriate external partner meetings, panels, and other presentation opportunities.
• Stays abreast of public health issues, particularly developments in health equity, particularly frameworks, models, tools, and practices.
• Assists the Senior Director, Senior Advisor, or Chief of Programs in other matters, as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor's degree in relevant professional field with a minimum of 8-10 years relevant work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including a relevant certification. Master’s degree and certification in a relevant field preferred with a minimum of 7-8 years relevant work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including a relevant certification is required.

Relevant work experience would preferably be in equity and justice work, systems change, working in or with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities, in or with government entities, especially local health departments, facilitating meetings, and working with multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, and multi-sectoral partnerships.

Required Skills

• Sensitivity to varied interests of many stakeholders, partners, advocates, elected officials, and colleagues.
• A thorough understanding of, sensitivity to, and appreciation for equity and racial justice, intersectionality, cultural humility, and inclusiveness.
• Knowledgeable of the historical roots of health inequities and their continued impact of health outcomes today.
• Knowledgeable of the role of racism and other social and structural determinants of health (i.e., class oppression, capitalism, gender oppression, homophobia and transphobia, etc.) on population health outcomes/ health inequities and knowledge and/or experience translating this knowledge and principles into action.
• Experience working with communities to advance health equity and social justice.
• Knowledge of the principles of program planning and an understanding of program evaluation.
• Knowledge and experience managing projects and budgets.
• Knowledge and experience of managing teams (~10-15+ people).
• Experience applying different health equity tools, frameworks or models to public health practice.

Desired Skills

• Experience developing and managing matrixed teams.
• Experience with the principles and practices of coalition building and developing community partnerships.
• Knowledge of a range of public health issues and policies at the local, state, and/or federal level
• Experience working with local, state, and or Federal agencies to advance health equity and social justice.
• Strong understanding of cooperative agreement, grant management and contract processes, especially from Federal funders
• Knowledge of governmental public health and in particular, local health departments and their unique needs and functions as it relates to their ability to adopt and implement health equity and social justice frameworks.
• Experience developing and/or delivering trainings on health and race equity, structural racism, social justice, and/or the social determinants of health.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasionally required to sit.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to bend, lift or climb stairs.
• Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The noise level in the work environment usually is moderate.

Salary Range: $101,882 - $108,266

This is a full-time, exempt position. This position is considered a term position made possible through grant funding, some, or all of which is scheduled to end July 31, 2025. While NACCHO will make every effort to secure continued funding, this position may be eliminated on July 31, 2025.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selected candidate must reside in the Washington, DC – Maryland – Virginia (DMV) area within 30 calendar days of their start date.

We only accept applications that follow the electronic process. No phone calls please. This position is subject to background screening. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and one writing sample to: PN – 466 Director of Health Equity and Social Justice.

• In your cover letter, please describe why you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and why you think you are a good fit for the position.
• Please also submit a relevant writing sample that you developed related to a health equity, racial justice topic. This can be an article, blog post, commentary, or academic paper that you developed in a professional or academic setting.

https://naccho.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/855e5371-8e6c-0562-0535-c3bae9e0bd3f/apply?source=3127170-CS-2909

NACCHO offers generous benefits package such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD insurances
• 15 days of paid vacation & 13 days of sick leave and other types of leave
• 403(b) Retirement plan,
• Hybrid Remote Work Available
• NACCHO is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

At NACCHO, our commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action seeks to ensure a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We respect and value work force diversity among all employees and all those with whom we do business.