Director, Health Promotion Programs

About the role:

The Director, Health Promotion Programs, leads several teams to provide advice to the Executive Director, Prevention & Health Promotion and other senior leaders across the department, on health promotion and population health programs and policy and other items relating to the unit's activities.

This role is responsible for the performance and oversight of public health promotion and population health programs and initiatives. The incumbent will lead the design, delivery, performance and funding of programs with a strong focus on system strategy and outcomes aligned to key legislation, statewide planning and outcomes frameworks.

This role will work closely with internal and external partners, providing system wide strategic management and direction to support all portfolios through operational excellence, program management, implementation, and monitoring to ensure successful delivery on expected priorities and goals, and alignment to continuous improvement and value add across the system.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Lead the design, implementation and performance oversight of Victoria's health promotion and population health programs, including delivery of the Population Health and Wellbeing Plan, with a strong focus on health equity, the social determinants of health, and alignment with statewide outcomes frameworks and public health legislation
• Oversee strategic investment and system partnerships across the health promotion sector, including funding and governance arrangements with VicHealth and other commissioned organisations, ensuring alignment with state priorities and delivery of population-level outcomes
• Provide strategic, evidence-based advice and act as an authoritative source of critical advice to the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Secretary, Secretary, Minister and other senior stakeholders, to further develop and implement the department's objectives on public health protection programs, funded service models, system performance, and emerging public health risks.
• Ensure the achievement of the wider government agenda and develop plans to mitigate any emerging issues including state, national or international environments. Coordinate any responses to major departmental impacts as well as managing change within teams.
• Be accountable for the development and management of budgets, finances, procurement, and expenditure for a division/group or set of business units and influence the allocation of resources over the long term.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is highly desired and a post tertiary qualification in a relevant field (health, public health, business management or public administration or a related discipline) would be advantageous.

Specialist Expertise

• Demonstrated experience and ability to partner with public health medicine professionals, technical experts and organisations to develop trusted and timely advice within a public sector context.
• Knowledge and understanding of current key public health issues, public health response, delivery and management of public health programs.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience leading population health planning and program commissioning cycles would be highly desirable.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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