Health Officer

1. Statutory and Governance Leadership

• Serve as the legally designated Health Officer for Vanderburgh County under Indiana Code.
• Enforce applicable state and local public health laws, regulations, and orders.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all statutory obligations.
• Serve as the primary medical and public health advisor to the Board of Health.
• Submit regular written and verbal reports to the Board of Health on departmental activities, outcomes, and emerging issues.

2. Strategic Direction and Oversight

• Lead and champion the Department’s strategic vision and priorities in alignment with the Board of Health.
• Maintain high-level oversight of departmental operations, programs, and performance metrics without direct daily management.
• Collaborate with the Health Administrator and Medical Director to ensure strategic goals are resourced, monitored, and achieved.
• Maintain awareness of departmental finances, grants, and funding streams in collaboration with the Health Administrator.

3. External Relations and Public Leadership

• Serve as the primary public-facing representative of the Department to:
  • Community organizations and healthcare systems
  • Local elected officials and county leadership
  • The Indiana Department of Health and other state agencies
  • Media and the general public
• Develop and strengthen partnerships that advance public health initiatives and resource alignment.
• Represent the Department in regional, state, and professional public health forums.

4. Policy, Advocacy, and Communication

• Provide medical and scientific guidance on public health policy, ordinances, and community health initiatives.
• Deliver presentations and briefings to the Board of Health, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Support public health education and outreach efforts through leadership and advocacy.
• Maintain transparent, proactive communication with county leadership regarding public health priorities and risks.

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) with an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Indiana.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in healthcare, governmental, or public health settings.
• Strong strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Professional presence and credibility in public, media, and intergovernmental settings.
• Reside in, or be willing to relocate to, southwestern Indiana.
• Formal training or demonstrated interest in public health (e.g., MPH, preventive medicine, public health leadership roles).

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 to be in consideration for this position.