Communicable Disease Program Manager

Salary : $112,257.60 - $151,881.60 Annually
Location : Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 2026-0039
Division: Disease Prevention & Management
Program: DPM - General Communicable Disease Investigation
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Job Summary
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*****

*****Third Review Date: 06/08/2026*****
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.

For a full description of the classification specification

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, and federal laws applicable to the body of work.
• Skilled in multi-tasking complex functions.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Knowledge of government and departmental procurement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Knowledge of contract and budget development, implementation, and management.
• Skilled in grant writing.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
  • Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
  • Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
  • Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
  • Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
  • Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one's own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department's mission, values, and ethical standards.

Who should apply
The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor's degree in business, public health, environmental health, or applicable related field.
• Three years of experience in public health program management.
• Directly related experience in the assigned program(s).
• Three years of experience supervising or leading teams.

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements
We require or prefer the below for this classification.

• Current State of Washington Registered Nurse License or multi-state license endorsement.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC®, a-IPC™, and LTC-CIP®)
• Masters or PhD in Nursing or Public Health, DVM, or related field.
• Knowledge of epidemiological concepts, data management, and analytical skills.
• Five years of experience in public health or community health.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work Environment

• Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in office environments.
• Some afterhours and/or weekend work may be required.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to operate a telephone and operate a computer mouse and keyboard.
• Frequently move throughout the Department.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.
• Maintain concentration and attention for extended periods of time.
• Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)

Travel

• Some travel may be required (10-15% of the time, will vary by position), and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend training.

for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.
Benefits
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary: Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.


Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*

Life Insurance: The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement: Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include: Generous paid vacation**, sick, personal, and holiday leave**, Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, On-site Fitness Center, Commute Trip Reduction program, Worksite Wellness Program, Direct Deposit; Service Awards, Safety Program / Rewards, Executive Benefits Plan and more.

*Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 2 months): The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 2 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.

Please Note:

• There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


This position requires a Bachelor's degree in business, public health, environmental health, or applicable related field AND three or more years' experience public health program management, directly related experience in the assigned programs: General Communicable Disease, STI/HIV, Tuberculosis, and Refugee Health, and three years of experience supervising or leading teams.

• I have a Master's degree or higher and 1 years of qualifying experience.
• I have a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of qualifying experience.
• I have an Associate's degree and 5 years of qualifying experience.
• I do not have the required education or experience.

02


Do you have a current Washington State Registered Nurse License in good standing?

• Yes
• No

03


Please list your Washington State Department of Health RN number and Expiration Date. If you do not possess this certification, please indicate n/a.
04


Do you have experience providing communicable disease control services to include experience in supervising staff and coordinating program activities?

• Yes
• No

05


Please describe your experience providing communicable disease control services to include experience in supervising staff and coordinating program activities. If you don't have this experience, please indicate n/a.
06


How many years of experience do you have in supervising and/or leading a team?

• 10 or more years
• 7-9 years
• 5-6 years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year
• I do not have this experience

07


Please describe your experience supervising and/or leading a team. If you don't have this experience, please indicate n/a.
08


In early May, the local health department received reports from hospitals about three individual patients presenting the following symptoms: slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, double vision, and drooping eyelids. All the patients had visited a local restaurant over the weekend and reported consuming a wide variety of foods during their visit. A common food that may have caused the issue has not yet been identified. Concerned medical providers suspected foodborne botulism and promptly reported the cases to Public Health, as botulism is classified as a notifiable condition in Washington state.List initial considerations for disease investigation. This list can include specific staff and community partners, a potential timeline, and sample key messaging for the hospital, patients, and internal staff members. (500-word max)
09


Do you have experience leading the planning and management of a General Communicable Disease program, specifically regarding the investigation and control of General Communicable Disease, STI/HIV, Tuberculosis, and Refugee Health?

• Yes
• No

10


How would you describe your experience leading the planning and management of a General Communicable Disease program, specifically regarding the investigation and control of General Communicable Disease, STI/HIV, Tuberculosis, and Refugee Health? If you do not have this experience, please indicate n/a.
Required Question