[Hiring] Director of Operations and Public Health Programs @Acenda Integrated Health

Role Description

The Director of Operations and Public Health Programs is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective design, implementation, and operational excellence of CHEW-NJPHI’s programs and internal functions. This position bridges strategy and execution, translating the organization’s vision into high-impact, scalable initiatives while building the systems, processes, and partnerships needed to sustain them. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director will oversee program portfolios aligned with CHEW-NJPHI’s core areas of focus, health equity, democracy and health, trust in science, and public health infrastructure and workforce development, while also strengthening organizational operations, performance management, cross-sector collaboration, and the institute’s relationship with the state of New Jersey. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives in a start-up environment, can “build while doing,” and is committed to advancing health equity through systems-level change.

As an integrated health organization Acenda values the use of evidence-based practice or EBP's.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of CHEW-NJPHI’s program portfolio, including:
  • Health Opportunity Zones (HOZs)
  • Rural Health Opportunity Zones (rHOZs)
  • Trust in Science initiatives such as EBImpact and Every Body Matters
  • Workforce development programs including the Public Health Connection Program and PHutures
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable program plans, timelines, and deliverables while ensuring programs are community informed, data driven, and aligned with health equity goals.
• Oversee mini-RFAs, subgrant processes, and partner selection.
• Build and manage internal operational systems, including:
  • Program management workflows and tools
  • Performance tracking and reporting systems
  • Cross functional coordination with finance, HR, communications, and compliance through Acenda Integrated Health
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support scalability and consistency.
• Serve as a key liaison with external partners, including:
  • State agencies such as NJDOH
  • Healthcare systems and provider networks
  • Community-based and faith-based organizations
  • Academic institutions
  • National partners
• Support the development and management of strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
• Oversee implementation of major initiatives and funded programs by managing scopes of work, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with funder expectations and contractual obligations.
• Lead the development of program evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ensure the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to demonstrate program impact.
• Supervise program and operations staff by providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high performing, and mission driven team culture.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, public/health administration, health policy, or related field
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in public health, healthcare, or nonprofit management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs or initiatives
• Strong operational and project management skills, including building systems and processes
• Experience with grants management, contracts, and program implementation
• Commitment to health equity and community-centered approaches

Preferred

• Experience working with or alongside state or local health departments
• Familiarity with New Jersey’s public health and healthcare landscape
• Experience in workforce development, community engagement, or clinical/community partnerships
• Doctoral degree or advanced leadership training (e.g., fellowship programs)

Requirements

• Base rate: $125,000 - $135,000 (salary commensurate with experience and qualification)
• Bilingual Rate: An additional $3,120 added to the base rate if Spanish proficient.
• This is a remote position
• Schedule: Day - 9 AM to 5 PM

Benefits

• An innovative culture that encourages you to grow and learn with the agency
• Mission-driven core
• Health, Vision and Dental coverage for you and your family
• 401(k) with 100% employer match on the first 5% of compensation
• Generous time-off
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Year-end bonuses

Company Description

Acenda Integrated Health provides 100+ behavioral health programs, including mental health services, crisis care, substance use recovery, family therapy, maternal and pediatric support, and residential programs across New Jersey. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, work-life balance, professional development, and team engaging events. Acenda is recognized as a multi-year Top Workplace by USA Today and The Inquirer and a Top Workplace Culture award winner for Work-Life Balance as well as Joint Commission accredited and certified by MHCA and the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families. Join #TeamAcenda and make a lasting impact.