Director of Health Protection

Position details

Position Summary

As a member of the Executive Team at Northeastern Health Unit (operating as Northeastern Public Health (NEPH)), the Director of Health Protection actively collaborates with other Directors and Managers in supporting the strategic directions, goals, objectives, and priorities of the agency. 

Reporting to the Medical Officer of Health /Chief Executive Officer (MOH/CEO), the Director of Health Protection provides strategic leadership and management to a multidisciplinary team of health protection leaders responsible for overseeing a variety of public health programs. The Director advises the MOH/CEO on the status of all initiatives, programs, and services falling within the Health Protection portfolio, on a regular and proactive basis. The Director of Health Protection ensures the programs and services falling within their portfolio operate in accordance with all legislative requirements, governing policies and procedures, and collective agreements. 

Education and Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• At least 5 years’ management experience in a unionized environment in public health or related field is preferred
• Current certificate of competence with the relevant professional association/college, where applicable
• Advanced oral and written proficiency in French is an asset
• Excellent strategic planning, policy development and crisis communication skills
• Understanding of population health approaches, determinants of health, health equity, and other applicable public health theories, strategies, and practices is required.
• Understanding of population health approaches, determinants of health, health equity, and other applicable public health theories, strategies, and practices is required.
• Understanding of communicable diseases, infection prevention and control, environmental health, and public health-related clinical services is required.
• Experience in managing or supporting the program areas under Health Protection, including: infectious diseases, sexual health, harm reduction, vaccine-preventable diseases, immunization, and environmental health.
• Leadership skills (visionary with the ability to lead within an interdisciplinary team environment, change management skills, experience implementing strategic plans).
• Comprehensive and progressive understanding of health protection trends, issues, research, challenges, and opportunities.
• Experience working within the context of regulatory framework that includes legal, human rights, and ethical issues.
• Management ability and knowledge to promote a healthy and safe work environment, engage in workforce development and capacity building.
• Experience managing complex assignments from inception through to implementation while balancing political, community, and other partner interests.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, including experience with consensus building, coaching, and conflict management skills, and promoting a learning environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, along with the ability to foster trust, cooperation, and mutual agreement.
• Well-established verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skills including experience in Microsoft Suite, EMR, etc.
• Ability to work under high stress, including adapting to shifting demands.
• Understanding and commitment to Indigenous cultural competency/safety.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to political issues and the public health environment.
• Satisfactory police reference checks in accordance with NEPH policy.
• A valid driver’s license and access to an insured working vehicle to support travel across NEPH program delivery area.
• Required to comply with Immunization policies, including COVID-19 vaccination, unless a valid medical exemption is provided.

How to apply

Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Northeastern Public Health is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Applicants requiring an accommodation are asked to make such requests when contacted for an interview.

Please apply to:

Human Resources
Northeastern Public Health
[email protected]

Note: Please ensure the competition number is clearly stated in the subject line.