Executive Director, Tracking California

Overview

The Public Health Institute (PHI) is seeking an outstanding and visionary leader in the field of environmental health and climate change to serve as Executive Director for its long-established program, Tracking California. Tracking California’s mission is to mobilize data for public health action (see www.trackingcalifornia.org). Tracking California promotes justice and health equity by working with community groups, government agencies, researchers, and health advocates to shine a spotlight on environmental hazards, climate change and other factors that may be impacting community health. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall vision, strategic direction and programmatic leadership for Tracking California and for securing funding resources for Tracking California by spearheading multi-year grant proposals.

This is a regular part-time position currently funded at 75% FTE. There is potential to expand to a regular full-time 100% FTE as soon as funding is secured, but there is also some flexibility to remain part-time to accommodate other part-time commitments such as academic appointments. The starting FTE will be determined upon hire.

Strong preference will be given to California-based candidates with consideration provided to candidates located elsewhere in the United States dependent on exceptional qualifications and experience. This position works remotely, with regular travel for in-person meetings and other work activities across California and occasional travel outside California required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Core duties:

Overall management of Tracking California, leading a diverse staff team and providing vision and strategic direction on Program activities related to environmental health and climate change.
Lead, manage, and implement a comprehensive strategy to identify and secure funding sources by conceptualizing research proposals and working with staff team to develop grant applications that will ensure a robust research portfolio.
Establish and maintain relationships with a wide variety of key stakeholders and organizations such as CDC, U.S. EPA, California state agencies such as CDPH, CalEPA, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, academic and other partners to chart the future of environmental health surveillance and research.
Serve as PI of specific Tracking California projects as they are funded.

Additional duties:

Serve as a spokesperson on behalf of Tracking California and PHI as needed with media and other partners and networks, working to strengthen and expand recognition for PHI’s leadership in environmental health and climate-related research and surveillance.
As appropriate, manage IRB submissions and ensure protection of human subjects. Hold Program staff accountable for ethical, legal, and scientific integrity in program activities, including knowledge of and adherence to all federal and state laws.
Serve as a champion and steward of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Program.
Provide scientific mentorship to program staff, ensuring adequate training is available, encouraging development of research proposals, and supporting dissemination of results through authoring publications and presenting at professional meetings.
Recruit other researchers to collaborate with the Program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Experienced environmental health or climate change professional with at least 10 years of research experience in one or more of the subject areas of the program, and capacity to provide scientific mentorship to staff.
Solid experience in securing funding awards to support the vision and goals of the Program, including demonstrated success with multi-year proposals in areas of environmental health and/or climate change.
Minimum 7 years of experience as a manager of administrative and research staff.
Master’s degree in public health or related field.

Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated leadership skills in vision setting, innovation, program building, and people management, with strong ability to attract and retain research and other talent.
Collaborative management style, with a commitment to mentorship and staff growth.
Strong commitment to program approach of working collaboratively with impacted communities, building strong partnerships and engaging with humility and respect.
Strong commitment to health equity (including racial equity) and sensitivity towards the experiences of marginalized and/or historically underserved people, othering, structural exclusion, and cultural differences.

Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of epidemiologic methods, including study design and research and analysis methods.
Experience with climate change and environmental health research and surveillance, with expertise in at least one environmental sub-specialty.
Proven track record in successful publication of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Doctorate in public health epidemiology or related field.

Interested applicants please apply to this posting and submit a copy of your current CV/résumé and a cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience and explains why you are the best candidate for this position. Applications received by March 1st, 2025 will be given preference in the selection process.     URL for application:  https://www.phi.org/employment/current-opportunities/executive-director-tracking-california/?mc_cid=1812f89fbc&mc_eid=114c439375