Program Director

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. Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health 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. Coordinate and collaborate with internal OPH bureaus, state agencies, and community partners to maximize program reach, resolve issues, and strengthen public health responses. Oversee emergency response activities related to infectious diseases, including pandemic outbreaks, directing statewide preparedness and crisis management efforts. Provide expert advice to senior leadership on communicable disease trends, program effectiveness, and strategic priorities, including support for legislative testimony and policy development. 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: View phone number on click.appcast.io Position Number(s): 50513305 Contact Information: Paul Tran View email address on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr