Careers

Description:

Vision

Healthy Lives.

Safe Environments.

Thriving Communities.

Spokane Regional Health District

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is one of 35 public health agencies serving 39 counties in Washington State. As a leader and partner in public health, the district protects, improves, and promotes the health and wellbeing of all people through evidence-based practices.

One of the first agencies to be accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board, SRHD operates on a $39 million annual budget, with more than half the revenue from federal, state, and local grants. Other funding sources include service fees, permits, donations, operating reserves, and local government assistance. Currently, SRHD employs over 260 highly skilled staff dedicated to advancing initiatives in 40 programs. The programs are organized within five divisions, each managed by a separate division director: Preventive Public Health, Environmental Public Health, Treatment Services, Quality Planning and Assessment, and Administration.

Governed by a 12-member Board of Health, the health district unites the two cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, along with the small cities of Spokane County, in a cooperative effort to oversee all matters regarding public health. The board creates and promotes prudent health policy, ensures compliance with applicable chapters of state law, local ordinances, and resolutions, and actively invites participation by all persons and organizations interested in public health.

Strategic Objectives

1. Engage Staff – In both implementation and success of the strategic plan.

2. Change the Conversation – What creates health equity within public health, across government, and in communities?

3. Client-Focused Service – Foster coordination between programs and partners.

4. Map the System – Study where our energy could have greatest impact.

5. Community Coordination – Improve in priority areas.

6. Upstream Policy Agenda – Initiate for Spokane County.

7. Community-Led Transformation – One neighborhood at a time.

Position

Under the direction of the Administrative Officer, the Deputy Administrative Officer provides overall leadership for the operations and administration of SRHD and serves as a valued member of the Executive Leadership Team. The Deputy Administrative Officer provides direct leadership for the Administration Division, which includes Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Building Maintenance, and HIPAA/Records. This person will also develop and manage the agency’s risk management strategy. The Deputy Administrative Officer acts on behalf of the Administrative Officer in her absence and as directed.

In collaboration with the Administrative Officer and other members of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Administrative Officer participates in short- and long-range planning and provides leadership for adherence to SRHD’s Mission, Vision, and Values. In addition, this person will partner with the Administrative Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Board of Health Budget and Finance Committee, and the Finance Manager to develop the annual agency budget that sufficiently carries out health district programs and services and proposes the budget to the Board of Health. 

The Deputy Administrative Officer develops and manages the division budget and effectively leads the development and implementation of divisional goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area. The Deputy Administrative Officer provides sound leadership to staff and routinely evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods to ensure the proper service and staff levels are maintained.

Priorities

• Actively support our values-driven organization. Along with the Administrative Officer, continue to promote an equitable culture, encourage an environment of trust, nurture collaboration, and foster learning through growth and transformation.
• Take an active role in integrating into the agency; be present and visible while developing an understanding of the various programs provided through Environmental Public Health, Treatment Services, Community Health, and Disease Prevention and Response.
• Further unify the Administration Division. Identify and execute an integrated strategic plan, encourage effective collaboration, support sound decision-making, and collectively drive change to execute and maximize our impact on the rest of the agency.
• Drive stability and consistency in systems, policies, and procedures. Work to streamline processes, identify opportunities for efficiency, and drive uniformity in all administrative functions.
• Establish a risk management strategy and develop subsequent plans and objectives that align with county, state, and federal statutes and regulations.
• Create contingency plans to manage crises. Ensure continuity of operations due to any emergency that impacts staff, financial, facility, information technology, or other business service infrastructure.
• Moss Adams is currently performing an organizational assessment of our Finance Department. Collaborate to review findings and implement appropriate recommendations.
• Continue to support employee growth and development. Formalize training programs and create additional learning opportunities for leadership and management competencies with a focus on employee engagement, empowerment, and retention.
• Collaborate with Information Technology to create a technology roadmap that accounts for organization-wide strategy and security while ensuring the software and tools are effective, productive, and valuable to meet the different organizational needs.

Successful Candidate

The Deputy Administrative Officer embraces the mission of Spokane Regional Health District and works collaboratively to provide sound administrative operations that support our integrated public health programs. The successful candidate is creative, innovative, and brings a fresh, yet experienced and measured, voice and perspective to the work. The Deputy Administrative Officer is detail-oriented yet routinely sees the big picture and enjoys coordinating with other divisions in interdivisional program efforts.

A natural convener and collaborator, the successful candidate recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. The Deputy Administrative Officer supports a values-driven organization and positively advocates for our evolving culture. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator and actively keeps others well informed. This person meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems and balance and respect a variety of views during the decision-making process. Importantly, the Deputy Administrative Officer appreciates a good sense of humor and has the ability to laugh.

The Deputy Administrative Officer brings forward strong executive leadership skills necessary for managing a complex environment. The preferred candidate understands the importance of building off a solid foundation and works to ensure infrastructure and service fundamentals are sound. With an appreciation for lean management and continuous improvement, the successful candidate challenges the status quo and quickly identifies trends and problems hindering progress and works to develop and implement best practices. Through empathy and compassion, the Deputy Administrative Officer brings a sense of calm and stability while driving necessary change.

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who has prior experience managing administrative and operational functions with a proven track record of developing strategy, setting goals, and providing clear expectations. Funding is complex, so the Deputy Administrative Officer must have robust finance experience and brings a high degree of comfort in working with local, state, and federal resources to manage diverse funding streams. A calculated risk-taker, the successful candidate brings prior experience in risk management and can assess liability, mitigate risk, and utilize data to drive sound business decisions. In addition, a broad background in Human Resources and Technology would be advantageous.

An approachable leader, the Deputy Administrative Officer models behaviors expected throughout the agency, including collaboration, a commitment to high-quality work, and sound customer service. The successful candidate maintains effective working relationships and gains cooperation through discussions and persuasion. The ideal candidate has a strong background in managing and empowering employees and believes in transparent communication. Importantly, the Deputy Administrative Officer motivates and encourages staff to maximize their skills and capabilities to best serve the needs of the health district and the community.

Qualifications

A minimum of seven years of management experience in public health or in a mid to large-sized professional social services or health agency with at least four years in a leadership role is required. Oversight of Administrative functions such as Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Building Maintenance is essential. Knowledge of risk management for an organization or business unit is ideal. Specific knowledge of current public health issues and trends is preferred. Excellent communication skills and the ability to confidently communicate with a wide variety of audiences are crucial.

A bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, finance, public health, public ad