Deputy Director, Center for Public Health Systems

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $120,500 - $150,000

Position Summary

The Center for Public Health Systems (CPHS) at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health seeks a Deputy Director to help build and lead a new center dedicated to advancing public health systems research, policy, and practice. This position will sit at the center of operations, external relationships, and program development.

CPHS is looking for an experienced public health leader who thrives in translating ideas into action. Working in close partnership with the Center Director, Michael Sparer, the Deputy Director will provide strategic and operational leadership, helping to establish priorities, build organizational infrastructure, and cultivate external partnerships that advance the Center’s mission. Serving as the Center’s primary administrative leader and a key external representative, the Deputy Director will play a central role in expanding the Center’s impact and national visibility. The Deputy Director is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, helping define priorities, build systems, and ensure that the Center’s work is executed effectively and strategically.

Responsibilities

• Center Administration & Operations (35%)
• Programs & Initiative Oversight (15%)
• Communications (15%)
• Development (10%)
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact (10%)
• Research Management (5%)
• Budget (5%)
• Other (5%)

The ideal candidate combines strong administrative and organizational leadership skills with an entrepreneurial mindset and deep familiarity with public health and healthcare systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum four years of work experience required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, public policy, health administration, or related field (MPH strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public health, health policy, academia, government, consulting, or related sectors
• Demonstrated experience managing programs, partnerships, or organizational operations in complex multi-stakeholder environments
• Experience working with public health agencies, government partners, or national associations
• Strong operational, financial, and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for academic, policy, and practitioner audiences
• Comfort operating in an early-stage, entrepreneurial academic environment
• Experience in local or state health departments, academic public health or university-based research centers
• Familiarity with state and local public health governance structures
• Experience translating research into practice or policy tools
• Background in partnership development, fundraising, convening, or field-building initiatives

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.