PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Health Program Manager for the Public Health Division within the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the direction of the Chief of Community Health, the Public Health Program Manager will conduct detailed administration of local, state, and federal grants to support community initiatives relating to the Division of Public Health (DPH) priorities. This position will carry out specific duties as they relate to public health functions, programs and/or activities, specifically related to behavioral health and substance misuse. The Public Health Program Manager will work closely with local partners to build and maintain coalitions and taskforces in Worcester that are goal driven to move public health strategies and policies forward.

Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Serve as a primary liaison between the City, regional municipalities, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, overdose prevention and community wellness partners, and other stakeholders on assigned program areas.
• Develop program strategies and work plans (goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables) for overdose prevention, substance use response, community wellness, and related public health initiatives; coordinate implementation with partners and coalitions.
• Build, maintain, and facilitate coalitions that advance evidence-based solutions, health promotion, and community wellness initiatives while ensuring alignment with Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities.
• Strengthen referral pathways and coordination with behavioral health providers, recovery support services, reentry organizations, shelters, healthcare providers, and community partners to improve access to services (e.g., screening, treatment, recovery supports, crisis services).
• Coordinate community outreach and public education efforts by leading the development and dissemination of evidence-based overdose prevention, substance use, and public health education materials and messaging.
• Plan and monitor program marketing, promotion, and reach to support meaningful community involvement and ensure interventions are accessible to priority populations, centering those with lived experience.
• Monitor grant requirements and deliverables and prepare accurate, timely, programmatic and fiscal reports for WDPH, funders, and stakeholders.
• Work with team to support contract and grant administration by reviewing award terms and conditions, tracking modifications and required actions, and coordinating compliance-related follow-up with leadership and partners.
• Manage budgets and purchasing processes by developing and tracking annual budgets, analyzing expenditures against budget.
• Work with teams to initiate purchase order requisitions, ensuring timely vendor payments, and resolving payment discrepancies.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Professional experience working with coalitions and clinical providers.
• Understanding of the social determinants of health and health and racial equity to address health concerns across disease categories and conditions.
• Professional experience creating work plans and communication plans.
• Relationship management skills and experience creating collaboration among local community partners organizations.
• Excellent project management and planning skills.
• Experience setting measurable objectives and tracking performance.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in electronic databases and Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience working with community stakeholders to advance community health.
• Proficiency in leading presentations and facilitating discussions.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to facilitate inter-disciplinary teamwork.
• Ability to conceptualize and organize projects into manageable tasks.
• Ability to convene and facilitate meetings.
• Ability to inter-state travel, minimal out of state travel.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent team building skills.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Demonstrated computer proficiency.
• Strong research, analytical and data skills.
• Must have excellent time management skills and be able to prioritize tasks.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, business/public administration, or other related fields; OR;
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Two (2) years of experience coordinating public health substance misuse prevention programs.
• Two (2) years of experience with project management or grant oversight.
• Familiarity with health equity and anti-racism frameworks.
• Familiarity with the social determinants of health and the life-course perspective.
• Familiarity with managing local, state or federal grants.
• Experience with coalition building and working with diverse populations.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional working relationships with community-based organizations.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with contract management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in public health, community health, public administration or other health related degrees.
• Four (4) years of expertise in public health substance misuse prevention programming.
• Three (3) years of experience with managing projects/contracts related to Public Health, Healthcare Administration, and/or Community Health.
• Three (3) years of experience developing and maintaining professional working relationships with community based and/or public health organizations.
• Two (2) years of experience with managing state and/or federal grant projects.

SALARY RANGE: $71,296 - $93,378 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.