Assistant Director, Austin Public Health

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Public Health

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Public Health

Purpose:

Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for development, administration, and overall effectiveness and operation of the Austin Public Health Department. This position manages a widely dispersed workforce, provides planning and oversight, and coordinates other related services.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities; determines appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
  
• Assists in the planning, development, and administration of the department’s budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
  
• Develops, negotiates, and monitors contracts between the City, consultants, contractors, outreach and social service agencies, and other governmental entities.
  
• Provides oversight and direction of research and analysis to determine program direction and goals.
  
• Analyzes operations to evaluate performance of programs and resources in meeting objectives; and identifies areas of potential duplication of services, opportunities for program improvement, and policy change.
  
• Ensures that responsibilities, authority, and accountability of all direct and indirect subordinates are defined, understood, and accomplished.
  
• Presides over, or serves on, boards and commissions, committees, or other governing boards.
  
• Develops partnerships, as necessary, with outside public and private organizations to access resources and improve the efficiency of service delivery.
  
• Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, CMO, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Works in collaboration with City management, Mayor and Council, and outside agencies regarding community outreach and health and human services programs in person and through written reports.
  
• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of public administration.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
  
• Ability to demonstrate executive level management of human resources functions for direct and indirect reports.
  
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with Boards and Commissions, City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to developing strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Social and Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, Municipal Government, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including two (2) years of experience in a management capacity.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Notes to Candidate:

The following are the preferred qualifications for the Assistant Director of Austin Public Health:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to governing bodies, the media, and the public, and the ability to explain complex technical issues in accessible, non-technical language.
  
• Public health epidemiology and disease surveillance management experience.
  
• Emergency management leadership experience.
  

Immunization Requirement: Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

The Assistant Director of Austin Public Health is an accomplished public health leader with deep experience in community and population health and a proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. This individual will leverage strategic partnerships and community resources to advance key public health priorities. The Assistant Director will transform complex technical and operational challenges into clear, actionable solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to data driven decision making.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Communicates Effectively: Demonstrates the ability to convey and receive information and ideas in an open, clear, and articulate way with respect to cultural differences and others’ perspectives.
• Community Collaborator: Experience in collaborating and presenting to internal and external stakeholders on projects and programs that might include public outreach, City Council updates, and program implementation.
• Objectivity: Ability to create inclusive and safe workspaces and programs.
• Continuous Quality Improvement: Establishes and maintains organizational capacity and resources to support continuous quality improvement.
• Public Health Practice/Evidence-Based: Contributes to the advancement of the evidence base of public health and uses credible science as the foundation of our policies and procedures.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Follows all safety rules, proactively works to prevent accidents, and encourages the use of sound judgment to comply with departmental and City occupational safety regulations.
• Emergency Preparedness: Promptly identifies and responds to public health threats and priorities, which may involve working outside of day-to-day tasks.
• Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
• Politically Savvy: Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy and be comfortable in high-visibility public settings (e.g., council, commissions, community meetings).

To view the detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Public Health offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by April 27, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.