The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.
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The Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health is seeking an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as Director of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases. In this role, the incumbent will lead Louisiana's fight against infectious disease, overseeing a budget of more than $150 million and a team of over 400 staff across critical programs including STI, HIV, tuberculosis, immunizations, infectious disease epidemiology and environmental epidemiology. The incumbent will drive statewide policy development, coordinate emergency response efforts, and champion innovative public health strategies in partnership with federal, state, and community stakeholders. This is an opportunity to lead high-impact, statewide public health work that protects the health of millions of Louisianans.
Eight years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus five years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
A bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:
Lead and manage 21 infectious disease programs with over 400 staff, including direct supervision of the State Epidemiologist and key program managers across HIV/STD/Hepatitis, TB, Immunization, Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Environmental Epidemiology.-
Develop and implement comprehensive statewide policies, long-range plans, and protocols that ensure compliance with medical standards and state and federal regulations.
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Coordinate and collaborate with internal OPH bureaus, state agencies, and community partners to maximize program reach, resolve issues, and strengthen public health responses.
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Oversee emergency response activities related to infectious diseases, including pandemic outbreaks, directing statewide preparedness and crisis management efforts.
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Provide expert advice to senior leadership on communicable disease trends, program effectiveness, and strategic priorities, including support for legislative testimony and policy development.
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Manage a budget of more than $150 million, allocating resources effectively across programs, approving financial adjustments, and ensuring fiscal accountability aligned with program goals.
Position-Specific Details:
Location: Office of Public Health / Bureau of Infectious Diseases / Orleans Parish
Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary, a Promotional, or a Job appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months)
Cost Center: 3262107645
Position Number(s): 50513305
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
Paul Tran
LA Department of Health (LDH)
Division of Human Resources
PO Box 4818
Baton Rouge, LA 70821225-342-6477
This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.
LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.
LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
