Deputy Public Health Director (Strategy and Executive Operations)

The Detroit Health Department has served Detroiters for more than a century. Today, DHD is building a modern public health department that is visible, responsive, data-informed, and rooted in the daily realities of Detroit residents. Our work goes beyond traditional health services. Through a Health in All Policies approach, DHD recognizes that health is shaped by housing, transportation, environmental conditions, economic opportunity, public safety, education, and the broader systems that shape life in the city. We seek team members who can work across programs, City departments, and community partners to improve health, reduce inequities, and deliver better outcomes for Detroit residents.

The Detroit Health Department seeks a strategic, highly organized leader to serve as Deputy Director (Strategy and Executive Operations) . Reporting to the Chief Public Health Officer, this leader will help set priorities, coordinate the department’s agenda, and ensure that decisions lead to action and measurable results for Detroit residents.

The Deputy Director (Strategy and Executive Operations works closely with the department’s other Deputy Director and senior leaders to connect policy, programs, administration, and City partnerships. The role focuses on executive coordination, clear communication, and follow-through across the department.

We are looking for someone who can understand complex issues, ask thoughtful questions, write clearly, build trust, and get work done. This is a hands-on executive leadership role for someone who can move between long-term strategy and day-to-day problem-solving while keeping the needs of residents at the center.

• Turn the Chief Public Health Officer’s priorities into work plans with clear responsibilities, deadlines, and measures of progress. Track commitments and bring forward decisions that need leadership attention.
• Lead executive coordination, including leadership meeting agendas, briefing materials, decision records, and follow-up. Ensure meetings produce clear decisions and next steps.
• Work with the other Deputy Director and senior leaders to resolve problems that cross programs or divisions, reduce duplication, and keep shared priorities moving.
• Prepare and review policy briefs, decision memos, presentations, and correspondence. Bring together program data, operational needs, and community perspectives to help leadership evaluate options.
• Coordinate progress on the department’s strategic agenda, including special projects and Health in All Policies initiatives. Help align departmental work with City priorities and commitments to residents.
• Build effective relationships with the Mayor’s Office, City departments, public agencies, and community partners. Represent the Chief Public Health Officer in meetings and initiatives when designated.
• Work with administrative, finance, human resources, legal, and program leaders to address staffing, funding, agreement, and implementation issues that require executive coordination.
• Supervise assigned staff, establish clear expectations, support professional growth, and strengthen a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect.

Master’s degree in Public Health required.

• • Minimum ten (10) years of professional experience working in complex organizational environments preferably including full time public health administrative experience.

• At least five years of executive-level operations or strategic management experience.
• Experience coordinating executive priorities, leading work across teams, and improving performance in government, public health, or a similarly complex organization.
• Strong writing, judgment, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated commitment to public service and health equity.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirements of this position.

Salary will be based on qualifications and experience within that range.

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points