Director of Operations and Public Health Programs

If you want to make a living by making a difference, join Acenda as an Program Director Job Title: Director of Operations and Public Health Programs This is a remote position! About Acenda Integrated Health Acenda Integrated Health provides 100+ behavioral health programs, including mental health services, crisis care, substance use recovery, family therapy, maternal and pediatric support, and residential programs across New Jersey. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, work-life balance, professional development, and team engaging events. Acenda is recognized as a multi-year Top Workplace by USA Today and The Inquirer and a Top Workplace Culture award winner for Work-Life Balance as well as Joint Commission accredited and certified by MHCA and the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families. Join #TeamAcenda and make a lasting impact. Job Overview The Director of Operations and Public Health Programs is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective design, implementation, and operational excellence of CHEW-NJPHI’s programs and internal functions. This position bridges strategy and execution, translating the organization’s vision into high-impact, scalable initiatives while building the systems, processes, and partnerships needed to sustain them. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director will oversee program portfolios aligned with CHEW-NJPHI’s core areas of focus, health equity, democracy and health, trust in science, and public health infrastructure and workforce development, while also strengthening organizational operations, performance management, cross-sector collaboration, and the institute’s relationship with the state of New Jersey. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives in a start-up environment, can “build while doing,” and is committed to advancing health equity through systems-level change. As an integrated health organization Acenda values the use of evidence-based practice or EBP's. Program Info New Jersey Public Health Institute, The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing aims to actively promote collaborative and community-driven partnerships to effect policies and practices that improve health, strengthen public health infrastructure, leverage resources to foster collective impact and social justice, and systemically advance equity and quality of life for all. By joining NJPHI, you will be key to building and sustaining impactful public health initiatives. You will be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to health equity, continuous quality improvement, and meaningful policy change in New Jersey. This is a dynamic opportunity to lead, innovate, and drive progress in public health programs and services across the state. Key Responsibilities : Program Strategy, Design, and Implementation

• Lead the development and execution of CHEW-NJPHI’s program portfolio, including Health Opportunity Zones (HOZs), Rural Health Opportunity Zones (rHOZs), Trust in Science initiatives such as EBImpact and Every Body Matters, and workforce development programs including the Public Health Connection Program and PHutures.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable program plans, timelines, and deliverables while ensuring programs are community informed, data driven, and aligned with health equity goals. Oversee mini-RFAs, subgrant processes, and partner selection.

Operations and Organizational Infrastructure

• Build and manage internal operational systems, including program management workflows and tools, performance tracking and reporting systems, and cross functional coordination with finance, HR, communications, and compliance through Acenda Integrated Health.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support scalability and consistency while ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with organizational goals.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key liaison with external partners, including state agencies such as NJDOH, healthcare systems and provider networks, community based and faith based organizations, academic institutions, and national partners.
• Support the development and management of strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives while representing CHEW-NJPHI in meetings, convenings, and public forums.

Grants, Contracts, and Program Oversight

• Oversee implementation of major initiatives and funded programs by managing scopes of work, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with funder expectations and contractual obligations while coordinating with subcontractors and partners to ensure quality and timely execution.

Data, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement

• Lead the development of program evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ensure the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to demonstrate program impact and translate findings into actionable insights that support program improvement and decision making.
• Support the development of dashboards, reports, and funder updates.

Team Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Supervise program and operations staff by providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high performing, and mission driven team culture while supporting recruitment, onboarding, and staff capacity building as the organization grows.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public health, public/health administration, health policy, or related field
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in public health, healthcare, or nonprofit management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs or initiatives
• Strong operational and project management skills, including building systems and processes
• Experience with grants management, contracts, and program implementation
• Commitment to health equity and community-centered approaches

Preferred

• Experience working with or alongside state or local health departments
• Familiarity with New Jersey’s public health and healthcare landscape
• Experience in workforce development, community engagement, or clinical/community partnerships
• Doctoral degree or advanced leadership training (e.g., fellowship programs)

Additional Information

• Base rate: $125,000 - $135,000 (salary commensurate with experience and qualification)
• Bilingual Rate: An additional $3,120 added to the base rate if Spanish proficient.
• This is a remote position
• Schedule: Day - 9 AM to 5 PM

What we provide:

• An Innovative culture that encourages you to grow and learn with the agency
• Mission-driven core
• Health, Vision and Dental coverage for you and your family
• 401(k) with 100% employer match on the first 5% of comp
• Generous time-off
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Year-end bonuses

Acenda Integrated Health is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Department/Program New Jersey Public Health Institute (NJPHI) Apply tot his job Apply To this Job