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

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, and 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, and cross functional coordination with finance, HR, communications, and compliance through Acenda Integrated Health.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support scalability and consistency while ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with organizational goals.
• 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, and national partners.
• Support the development and management of strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives while representing CHEW-NJPHI in meetings, convenings, and public forums.
• 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 while coordinating with subcontractors and partners to ensure quality and timely execution.
• Lead the development of program evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ensure the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to demonstrate program impact and translate findings into actionable insights that support program improvement and decision making.
• Support the development of dashboards, reports, and funder updates.
• Supervise program and operations staff by providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high performing, and mission driven team culture while supporting recruitment, onboarding, and staff capacity building as the organization grows.

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 comp.
• Generous time-off.
• Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Year-end bonuses.