HEALTH OFFICER

POSITION: Health Officer
LOCATION: Evansville, Indiana
DEPARTMENT: Vanderburgh County Health Department
STATUS: Full time or Part time
SALARY: $180,000 annually (Full-time)

Key Responsibilities

• Statutory and Strategic Leadership
• Serve as the legally designated Health Officer under Indiana Code.
• Enforce all applicable health laws, regulations, ordinances, and directives from state and local health authorities.
• Lead the Department’s strategic planning efforts and represent the Department in interactions with the Indiana Department of Health.
• Administrative Oversight
• Provide executive leadership and supervision to all Department staff, including the Health Administrator and division directors.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous review of departmental policies, procedures, and programs.
• Collaborate in hiring, disciplinary action, and personnel decisions in accordance with Vanderburgh County and Department policies.
• Oversees submission of reports of local Department of Health activities to the Indiana Department of Health, as required by statute and Indiana Department of Health rules
• Assures full and permanent records of public health work of the Department of Health are maintained, as required by statute
• Oversees keeping minutes and recordings of all Board of Health meetings, and maintaining compliance with all statutory meeting requirements
• Submits monthly report to the Board of Health on Department activities
• Demonstrates knowledge of all financial aspects of the Department of Health budgets, including grants and outside funding, and works with the Health Administrator to develop the annual budget
• Serve as a liaison to legal counsel to ensure statutory compliance in all departmental activities.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with community health organizations and stakeholders.
• Clinical and Public Health Expertise
• Enforce all health laws, ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations of the state and local boards of health as required by statute
• Supervise clinical services provided by the Department and its partners.
• Maintain active Indiana medical licensure and board certifications.
• Provide medical and scientific guidance for the development and evaluation of health programs and services.
• Lead the creation of public health education and outreach initiatives.
• Evaluates programs and services in accordance with established key performance indicators, making recommendations for prioritization and modifications as necessary
• Deliver professional presentations to the Board of Health, elected officials, community organizations, and media outlets.
• Department Improvement and Performance Development
• Promote a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability within the Department.
• Attend professional training and maintain current knowledge of emerging public health trends and best practices.
• Maintain open, transparent communication with the Board of Health and county officials regarding Department priorities, operations, and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D. or D.O.) with an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Indiana
• Demonstrated leadership or administrative experience in a healthcare, governmental, or public health setting
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to lead discussions and deliver effective presentations.
• Strong alignment with the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Department of Health.
• Professional demeanor in all public and intergovernmental interactions.
• Live, or be willing to relocate, in southwestern Indiana

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background, training, or demonstrated interest in public health (e.g., MPH, preventative medicine, public health committee leadership, or related experience)
  Application Instructions
  Vanderburgh County Health Department is an equal opportunity employer.
  Vanderburgh County Health Department is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Vanderburgh County Health Department will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
  Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter to Board of Health member, Margaret Musgrave at margaret.g.musgrave@gmail.com by October 15, 2025, to be in consideration for this position.
  Applicants can also complete the form on the VCHD website and include copies of their CV and cover letter. These submissions will be directed to Margaret Musgrave

• Statutory and Strategic Leadership
• Serve as the legally designated Health Officer under Indiana Code.
• Enforce all applicable health laws, regulations, ordinances, and directives from state and local health authorities.
• Lead the Department’s strategic planning efforts and represent the Department in interactions with the Indiana Department of Health.
• Administrative Oversight
• Provide executive leadership and supervision to all Department staff, including the Health Administrator and division directors.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous review of departmental policies, procedures, and programs.
• Collaborate in hiring, disciplinary action, and personnel decisions in accordance with Vanderburgh County and Department policies.
• Oversees submission of reports of local Department of Health activities to the Indiana Department of Health, as required by statute and Indiana Department of Health rules
• Assures full and permanent records of public health work of the Department of Health are maintained, as required by statute
• Oversees keeping minutes and recordings of all Board of Health meetings, and maintaining compliance with all statutory meeting requirements
• Submits monthly report to the Board of Health on Department activities
• Demonstrates knowledge of all financial aspects of the Department of Health budgets, including grants and outside funding, and works with the Health Administrator to develop the annual budget
• Serve as a liaison to legal counsel to ensure statutory compliance in all departmental activities.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with community health organizations and stakeholders.
• Clinical and Public Health Expertise
• Enforce all health laws, ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations of the state and local boards of health as required by statute
• Supervise clinical services provided by the Department and its partners.
• Maintain active Indiana medical licensure and board certifications.
• Provide medical and scientific guidance for the development and evaluation of health programs and services.
• Lead the creation of public health education and outreach initiatives.
• Evaluates programs and services in accordance with established key performance indicators, making recommendations for prioritization and modifications as necessary
• Deliver professional presentations to the Board of Health, elected officials, community organizations, and media outlets.
• Department Improvement and Performance Development
• Promote a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability within the Department.
• Attend professional training and maintain current knowledge of emerging public health trends and best practices.
• Maintain open, transparent communication with the Board of Health and county officials regarding Department priorities, operations, and outcomes