Director for Strategic Imperatives

The Director for Strategic Imperatives directs initiatives that work to maximize impact through implementation of the CDC Foundation strategic imperatives. In that capacity, the director collaborates closely with the C-Suite and CDC Foundation Board of Directors as well as internal and external partners to identify and maximize synergistic partnerships that improve public health practice and population health. With a strong commitment to the CDC Foundation’s mission, the director also works alongside department and organization staff to translate innovations into the ongoing practice of the Program and Innovation Office.

This position is based in Atlanta, GA and requires at least two days a week in the office.

Relocation expenses are not provided.

Salary Range: 111K-135K

• Direct initiatives that align implementation, operational and scientific practices across the strategic imperatives managed by the Program and Innovation office to form mutually reinforcing partnerships spanning networks of partners including philanthropists, subject matter experts, partner organizations, team members, governmental agencies, multi-lateral agencies, policy makers and sub-awardees.
• Leads a community of practice anchored in advancing objectives of multiple strategic imperatives managed by the Program and Innovation Office that ensures the organization meets key results as defined by the CDC Foundation leadership and Board of Directors.
• Translate strategic vision for the imperatives into systematic program implementation that aligns with the practices, policies and procedures of the Program and Innovation Office.
• Leads coordinated management of multiple, time-bound, unique and related strategic imperative projects to advance excellence in program implementation and public health practice.
• Formulates program-related goals, objectives, operating policies, strategic plans, guidelines, governance, standards and priorities to ensure consistency with organization, department and division standard operating procedures.
• Builds strong partnerships and provides strategic input and expertise that ensures impactful, efficient and effective program implementation.
• Hires, recruits, supervises, mentors and serves as a technical partner for employees, including field staff.
• Support and develop strategies for increasing program/project impact across the global portfolios.
• Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality program/project management.
• Ensure cross-pollination of strategy, lessons learned and best practices across strategic imperatives managed by the Program and Innovation Office.
• Contributes to resource mobilization in consultation and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Represents the CDC Foundation at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings with internal and external partners.
• Travels domestically or internationally as needed to represent the designated programs and the CDC Foundation (up to 20 percent annually).
• Participates in and/or leads special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a background in public health leadership required. Doctor of Public Health or related degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive public health and/or related professional experience required with direct experience working with partners in public health programs as well as in non-profit leadership. At least five years of direct experience managing complex public-private partnerships in public health.
• Knowledge and skills needed to synergize mutually reinforcing activities in program implementation, program operations and the application of scientific standards to a growing, diverse and complex programmatic portfolio with emphasis on an ability to navigate evolving priorities, demands and strategy.
• Knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage, lead and expand a complex and growing network of partners such as philanthropists, subject matter experts, partner organizations, team members, governmental agencies, multi-lateral agencies, policy makers and sub-awardees.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning systems and software packages used to manage day-to-day business activities such as program management and budgeting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use both consensus and directive leadership, as appropriate, to accomplish organizational, departmental and programmatic strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated success fostering an inclusive environment working with and leading professionals from diverse backgrounds and geographies.
• Experience and proficiency managing public-private partnerships (or functional equivalent collaborations).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience effectively communicating with senior leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Advanced skills in budget management and forecasting, cross-cultural awareness, communication, influence, negotiation, conflict resolution and creative problem solving.
• Strong technical skills including word processing, spreadsheet and database management.
• A leader and tactician who understands the operational implications of plans and strategies, who can creatively implement systems and procedures that fit current and long-term needs.
• Ability to represent the CDC Foundation and its partners, leading discussions and negotiations concerning program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic and able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, donors and partners.
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in collaborating with individuals of varying levels of seniority both internally and externally.

• The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

Relocation expenses are not included.