Communicable Disease Program Manager

Communicable Disease - Program Manager I

Ready to lead the front lines of community health? The Disease Prevention & Management Division is seeking a Communicable Disease - Program Manager I, Regular, (1.0 FTE) to serve as our primary subject matter expert in disease investigation and communicable diseases of public health importance. We are looking for a leader who can seamlessly navigate staff supervision, fiscal oversight, and contract management while building the community partnerships necessary to protect all people and places in Pierce County. If you have the professional expertise to solve complex public health issues and lead diverse teams through emerging crises, apply today to join our team. *****First Review Date 5/4/2026***** *****Second Review Date 5/20/2026*****

This is a managerial classification reporting to senior level management or Program Manager II with responsibility for overseeing the operations of assigned programs. This position is responsible for providing strategic, administrative, and programmatic direction for their assigned program, including planning, implementation, grant reporting, staff supervision, budget, and financial management. The Program Manager I works in tandem with Division leadership to align the program's operations with the Department's strategic goals and initiatives.

Distinguishing Characteristics A Program Manager I oversees assigned program(s) within the organization. This role is responsible for managing operations and direct reports. This role serves as a liaison to the community, local, and state agencies to build public health program capacity and represent the program in areas of policy and planning. Work is performed with a considerable latitude for independent judgement and decision-making authority regarding their assigned program.

Position Series

• Program Manager I
• Program Manager II

Career Path Options Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include:

• Assistant Division Director
• Division Director

Essential Functions

• Plans, organizes, directs, monitors, and evaluates assigned program area.
• Supervises, mentors, coaches, and manages staff, including hiring, training, timecard/time off approvals, performance management, and resolution of disciplinary matters. Assists supervisors with resolving complex employee relations and performance management issues.
• Plans and executes workplans to ensure goals and objectives are met.
• Formulates quality assurance, improvement and control efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of program(s).
• Plans, develops, monitors, and controls program budgets. Ensures financial accountability and fiscal viability of program(s).

Examples of Key Duties The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates assigned program area. Exercises independent judgement in the oversight of daily operations.
• Formulates policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, ensuring compliance with federal, state, contractual, and Department requirements.
• Evaluates and monitors services and programs. Monitors and assesses progress toward objectives and impacts on the community. Formulates quality administrative controls and quality assurance policies and procedures to improve and/or monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• Manages program performance to ensure goals are met and impact on the community is maximized. Determines service priorities.
• Plans and executes workplans with project managers, program supervisors, and team members to ensure goals and objectives are met. Supports strategy and service implementation, addressing equity, health equity, and social determinants of health.
• Plans, develops, monitors, and controls program budgets. Ensures financial accountability and program fiscal viability.
• Monitors expenditures and revenues. Proposes service fees and monitors reimbursement invoicing and billings.
• Negotiates and administers community-based contracts with private and public agencies. Reviews and approves contractor selection process, payment of contracts and contract performance.
• Identifies new sources of revenue and develops, monitors, and manages program budgets, contracts, grant deliverables, and program operations. Negotiates and manages grants, interagency agreements, and revenue contracts.
• Translates leadership direction into actionable plans that align current priorities with the Department Strategic Plan and organizational initiatives and objectives. Develops and implements program goals, objectives, and metrics.
• Identifies, implements, and manages quality improvement initiatives to develop recommendations and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Assesses program and community needs. Performs needs assessments, utilization, and outcome data analysis.
• Supervises, mentors, coaches, and manages staff, including hiring, training, timecard/time off approvals, performance management, investigations, and resolution of disciplinary matters. Assists program supervisors with resolving complex employee relations and performance management issues.
• Monitors, reviews, interprets, and implements detailed federal, state, or local regulations and ensures program compliance with applicable policies, practices, and the law. Assesses impact of new legislation on program operations and services and makes recommendations.
• Lead or participate in compliance review teams conducting compliance and credential review processes.
• Promotes and maintains partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies and internal and external partners and collaborators. Shares information and resources with other agencies to promote public health initiatives.
• Provides expertise, consultation, and assistance in the areas of program expertise. Serves as a resource and technical consultant to explain the Health Department role and policies, laws and regulations in assigned area to officials, groups, and individuals.
• Acts as a liaison and consultant to community, local and state agencies regarding public health policy. Under the direction of the Director of Public Health, Health Officer, and/or division leadership, may represent the department on task forces, committees and planning bodies in the areas of policy and health services planning.
• In collaboration with Communications, may represent the program before the media and public.
• Represents the program by presenting at various functions including Board of Health Meetings, community events, and committee meetings.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specific Technical Skills

• Expertise in communicable diseases, immunization, and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Expertise in public health concepts and effective communication strategies for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable with public speaking.
• Skilled in using evidence-based practices to create actionable program plans and provide expertise in managing communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases for staff, medical providers, community organizations, and local and state agencies.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

What you bring to the table

• Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs, financial management software, and timekeeping systems.
• Proficient with modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program management including planning, development, monitoring, evaluation, and administration.
• Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational need of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public health program services to include evidence and practice-based assessment, prevention, treatment, and education.
• Skilled in health education practices, policy development, and program planning.
• Applied knowledge of administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations governing public health programs and services. Knowledge of local, state,