The statutory salary range for this position is $120,189 to $180,284. Starting salary is negotiable based on education and experience.
Preferred Education:
Masters
Internal Number: 54867
Vermont Department of Health | State of Vermont
The Vermont Department of Health is seeking a dynamic, experienced public health leader to serve as Deputy Commissioner. This executive-level role is an opportunity to shape the future of public health across Vermont by providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and policy guidance across a diverse portfolio of programs.
As a key member of the Department’s executive leadership team, the Deputy Commissioner partners closely with the Commissioner and senior leaders to set priorities, ensure effective program implementation, and strengthen systems that protect and promote the health and well-being of Vermonters.
About the Role
The Deputy Commissioner provides high-level leadership across critical public health areas, including substance use programs, family and child health, health data and informatics, and chronic disease prevention. This role ensures organizational alignment and accountability while advancing innovative and equitable public health strategies.
You will collaborate across state government, work with legislators, and engage community partners to advance a comprehensive, cross-sector approach to health.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Help advance the Department’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities
Advise the Commissioner on key public health issues
Serve as Acting Commissioner when needed
Operations & Program Oversight
Provide leadership and direction to senior staff
Ensure programs are effective, grounded in science, and aligned with Department goals
Lead during public health emergencies and communicate critical information
People Leadership & Workforce Development
Supervise Division and Unit Directors
Support staff development, performance management, and succession planning
Partner with HR on complex personnel matters
Budget & Resource Management
Collaborate on budget development and fiscal oversight
Support legislative funding requests
Ensure alignment and compliance of grant funding
Community Engagement & Communication
Serve as a spokesperson as needed
Represent the Department in public forums, committees, and meetings
Build strong partnerships with agencies, community organizations, and policymakers
Health Equity
Champion health equity across all programs and initiatives
Ensure equity is embedded in policies, planning, grants, and service delivery
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health at a statewide level—leading initiatives that improve lives, strengthen systems, and advance health equity across Vermont.
For questions about the position, please email Sarah.Gregorek@vermont.gov.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Master’s degree in public health, public administration, healthcare administration, or related field
Significant leadership experience in public health or human services
Demonstrated supervisory and organizational leadership experience
Preferred Skills & Expertise
Deep understanding of the role of government in public health
Experience working with state/local leaders and policymakers
Strong background in managing complex public health programs
Experience with public communication, legislative testimony, and media engagement
Ability to navigate political and stakeholder environments effectively
Knowledge of data-driven decision-making and performance evaluation
Strong financial and human resource management skills
Experience in government settings (federal, state, or local) preferred
Who You Are
You are a collaborative, strategic leader who thrives in a fast-moving, dynamic environment. You bring sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for all communities. You are equally comfortable setting vision and rolling up your sleeves to ensure execution, while holding yourself and others accountable for clear goals, measurable results, and continuous improvement.
Vision:
All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.
Mission:
Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.
Values:
Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
many hands reaching in to touch
Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.
Public Health in Vermont
Our many programs and initiatives help people in Vermont live fuller, h...ealthier lives from birth through old age.
We focus on prevention, one of the best investments that can be made in health. We promote healthy behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, having regular physical activity, and not smoking or misusing alcohol or other drugs.
We work to improve access to health services such as immunizations, mammograms, HIV/AIDS testing and care, and prenatal care. We investigate disease outbreaks and take action to control the spread of illness.
We license physicians and hospitals, emergency medical personnel and services, inspect food and lodging establishments, and enforce health regulations. We prepare for and respond to public health threats and emergencies.
We continually track and report on the health status of people in Vermont, conditions and behaviors, that influence health, and progress toward meeting Healthy Vermonters 2030 goals. We empower people in Vermont with current, correct, and credible information to stay safe and healthy.
And it is our calling in public health to address unfair and avoidable inequalities, especially for those people who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage and social injustice.
