City of Somerville
Deputy Director of Health & Human Services – Public Health
City of Somerville, Somerville, Massachusetts, us, 02145
Overview
The Deputy Director of Health and Human Services — Public Health (DD-PH) serves as the senior operational and strategic leader for the City’s public health systems. The DD-PH oversees essential public health services, prevention programs, and population health initiatives aimed at improving community well-being and advancing health equity. This role provides high-level leadership across five divisions: Prevention Services; Public Health Nursing; Food Access & Healthy Communities; Community Health Workers; and the Public Health Excellence (PHE) Shared Services Program.
The DD-PH strengthens the City’s public health infrastructure by assessing system gaps, leading multi-sector initiatives, developing evidence-based policies and programs, and ensuring compliant, high-quality service delivery. As a core member of the Health and Human Service (HHS) Senior Management Team, the DD-PH partners closely with the HHS Director, Deputy Director of HHS – Human Services, and citywide and regional partners to enhance operational efficiency, align workflows, and build sustainable public health capacity.
Essential Functions Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Act on behalf of the HHS Director as needed, including representing the department at internal and external meetings, managing cross-departmental initiatives, and providing on-call Department coverage. In the absence of the Director, the DD-PH may be assigned signing authority for the Department
Lead departmental strategy, goals, and operational priorities, ensuring alignment with municipal objectives, state mandates, and emerging public health needs
Provide senior leadership and subject-matter expertise in public health practice, workforce standards, systems improvement, and policy development, representing the City at regional and state forums
Oversee a $1M+ public health portfolio, including operating budgets, state and federal grants, opioid settlement funds, revolving accounts, and multi-year contracts; ensure compliance, fiscal accountability, and sustainability of billable services (e.g., SNAP enrollment, PHN immunizations, Tobacco Control violations) integrated into existing data and third-party billing systems
Lead procurement, vendor selection, and contract execution for public health programs, technology platforms, and citywide initiatives
Oversee grant performance and sustainability planning, supporting managers and coordinators; monitor state legislation and advocacy efforts affecting reimbursable services for CHWs and PHNs, and leverage partnerships to enhance workforce development, operational efficiency, and revenue sustainability
Direct immunization, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness operations, including planning, training, rapid response, volunteer management, and regional collaboration
Strengthen, expand, and align prevention, chronic disease, and public health initiatives across divisions, city departments, and community partners to maximize efficiency, reduce duplication, integrate evidence-based upstream strategies, and advance equitable community health outcomes. Develop and implement policy and programming in coordination with other City departments and agencies to address key health issues and disparities
Support and liaise with the City’s Inspectional Services Department on quality improvement efforts related to public health
Direct needs assessments, evaluation activities, and quality improvement processes, ensuring programs are data-driven, effective, and aligned with public health goals
Present to the Board of Health, providing program updates, policy recommendations, and data insights as needed
Represent the City on local, regional, and state committees or coalitions, strengthening partnerships, sharing best practices, and advancing public health initiatives
Collaborate with regional and state partners, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to advance best practices and leverage shared resources
Coordinate with the Health Communications Officer to ensure timely, culturally competent, and accessible public health messaging across diverse platforms and audiences
Supervise and mentor staff across multiple divisions, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and trauma-informed culture that promotes professional growth, high-quality service delivery and effective performance management, including facilitating constructive feedback and navigating challenges
Support the department through the public health accreditation process, leading programmatic documentation, evaluation standards, and performance improvement
Qualifications Education and Experience
Current nursing license preferred. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, public health or other related fields
Deep understanding of local public health systems and 5- 10+ years’ experience in a public health program management and staff supervision
Experience in emergency management, large -scale immunization efforts, and working with marginalized or priority populations
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with external partners to achieve public health objectives
Knowledge, Abilities And Skills
Knowledge:
Knowledge of applicable public health laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances, with ability to provide guidance and oversight to division directors and staff
Extensive knowledge of public health program planning, supervision, evaluation, and sustainability practices, including grant-funded and reimbursable services, state-run electronic medical records, digital health data management platforms, and third-party billing integrations
Knowledge of methods, logistics, and safety precautions related to disease surveillance, control, and public health clinical programming
Working knowledge of computer hardware and software in support of department operations
Abilities:
Analyze and interpret public health data with an equity lens to inform programs and interventions
Think strategically about the broader public health landscape and develop upstream primary prevention strategies
Integrate reimbursable services into operational workflows
Establish and maintain trusting working relationships with diverse partners
Provide constructive feedback and navigate challenging conversations with staff
Plan, coordinate, and execute both large- and small-scale immunization and emergency preparedness efforts
Skills:
Clinical expertise, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and proficiency in data analytics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
Commitment to high-quality customer service and collaborative team environments
Flexibility to work beyond normal business hours, including evenings, as needed
Work Environment The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening and weekend meetings or complete work assignments.
Physical And Mental Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
Hours Full-Time
Salary $120,000 annualized, plus benefits
Union Non-Union
FLSA Exempt
Date Posted:
January 21st, 2026
EEO and Contact The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.
Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees
Total Rewards
4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) – 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life
Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.
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The DD-PH strengthens the City’s public health infrastructure by assessing system gaps, leading multi-sector initiatives, developing evidence-based policies and programs, and ensuring compliant, high-quality service delivery. As a core member of the Health and Human Service (HHS) Senior Management Team, the DD-PH partners closely with the HHS Director, Deputy Director of HHS – Human Services, and citywide and regional partners to enhance operational efficiency, align workflows, and build sustainable public health capacity.
Essential Functions Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Act on behalf of the HHS Director as needed, including representing the department at internal and external meetings, managing cross-departmental initiatives, and providing on-call Department coverage. In the absence of the Director, the DD-PH may be assigned signing authority for the Department
Lead departmental strategy, goals, and operational priorities, ensuring alignment with municipal objectives, state mandates, and emerging public health needs
Provide senior leadership and subject-matter expertise in public health practice, workforce standards, systems improvement, and policy development, representing the City at regional and state forums
Oversee a $1M+ public health portfolio, including operating budgets, state and federal grants, opioid settlement funds, revolving accounts, and multi-year contracts; ensure compliance, fiscal accountability, and sustainability of billable services (e.g., SNAP enrollment, PHN immunizations, Tobacco Control violations) integrated into existing data and third-party billing systems
Lead procurement, vendor selection, and contract execution for public health programs, technology platforms, and citywide initiatives
Oversee grant performance and sustainability planning, supporting managers and coordinators; monitor state legislation and advocacy efforts affecting reimbursable services for CHWs and PHNs, and leverage partnerships to enhance workforce development, operational efficiency, and revenue sustainability
Direct immunization, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness operations, including planning, training, rapid response, volunteer management, and regional collaboration
Strengthen, expand, and align prevention, chronic disease, and public health initiatives across divisions, city departments, and community partners to maximize efficiency, reduce duplication, integrate evidence-based upstream strategies, and advance equitable community health outcomes. Develop and implement policy and programming in coordination with other City departments and agencies to address key health issues and disparities
Support and liaise with the City’s Inspectional Services Department on quality improvement efforts related to public health
Direct needs assessments, evaluation activities, and quality improvement processes, ensuring programs are data-driven, effective, and aligned with public health goals
Present to the Board of Health, providing program updates, policy recommendations, and data insights as needed
Represent the City on local, regional, and state committees or coalitions, strengthening partnerships, sharing best practices, and advancing public health initiatives
Collaborate with regional and state partners, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to advance best practices and leverage shared resources
Coordinate with the Health Communications Officer to ensure timely, culturally competent, and accessible public health messaging across diverse platforms and audiences
Supervise and mentor staff across multiple divisions, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and trauma-informed culture that promotes professional growth, high-quality service delivery and effective performance management, including facilitating constructive feedback and navigating challenges
Support the department through the public health accreditation process, leading programmatic documentation, evaluation standards, and performance improvement
Qualifications Education and Experience
Current nursing license preferred. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, public health or other related fields
Deep understanding of local public health systems and 5- 10+ years’ experience in a public health program management and staff supervision
Experience in emergency management, large -scale immunization efforts, and working with marginalized or priority populations
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with external partners to achieve public health objectives
Knowledge, Abilities And Skills
Knowledge:
Knowledge of applicable public health laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances, with ability to provide guidance and oversight to division directors and staff
Extensive knowledge of public health program planning, supervision, evaluation, and sustainability practices, including grant-funded and reimbursable services, state-run electronic medical records, digital health data management platforms, and third-party billing integrations
Knowledge of methods, logistics, and safety precautions related to disease surveillance, control, and public health clinical programming
Working knowledge of computer hardware and software in support of department operations
Abilities:
Analyze and interpret public health data with an equity lens to inform programs and interventions
Think strategically about the broader public health landscape and develop upstream primary prevention strategies
Integrate reimbursable services into operational workflows
Establish and maintain trusting working relationships with diverse partners
Provide constructive feedback and navigate challenging conversations with staff
Plan, coordinate, and execute both large- and small-scale immunization and emergency preparedness efforts
Skills:
Clinical expertise, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and proficiency in data analytics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
Commitment to high-quality customer service and collaborative team environments
Flexibility to work beyond normal business hours, including evenings, as needed
Work Environment The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening and weekend meetings or complete work assignments.
Physical And Mental Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
Hours Full-Time
Salary $120,000 annualized, plus benefits
Union Non-Union
FLSA Exempt
Date Posted:
January 21st, 2026
EEO and Contact The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.
Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees
Total Rewards
4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) – 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life
Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.
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