Public Health Program Specialist
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Plan public health programs based on community needs and data
- Coordinate program activities across teams and partner organizations
- Manage program schedules, budgets, and vendor support
- Track program performance and report results to leaders and funders
- Support grant applications and grant compliance activities
- Develop outreach materials and support community engagement
- Improve program workflows using feedback from participants and staff
- Ensure program work follows privacy, safety, and equity standards
Top Skills for Success
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Data Literacy
Program Evaluation
Grant Management
Budget Management
Community Outreach
Health Equity Practice
Public Health Reporting
Quality Improvement
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Public Health Program Coordinator
Program Manager
Public Health Analyst
Community Health Manager
Grant Manager
Transition Opportunities
Senior Program Manager
Program Director
Public Health Policy Analyst
Population Health Manager
Operations Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Program EvaluationBudget ManagementGrant ComplianceData VisualizationContract ManagementChange Management
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple evaluation plan for a real or sample program, practice creating clear monthly metrics reports, and take on small budget tracking tasks. Strengthen impact storytelling by pairing data with short participant or community narratives.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000
Mid LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000
Senior LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, especially in local and state health agencies, hospitals, and community organizations. Hiring often increases when new grants are awarded or when urgent health needs arise.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionState Health DepartmentsLocal Health DepartmentsCounty Health AgenciesKaiser PermanenteUnitedHealth GroupCVS HealthAmerican Red CrossPATHFHI 360RTI InternationalICF
Industry Sectors
Government Public HealthHospitals and Health SystemsHealth InsuranceNonprofit OrganizationsGlobal Health OrganizationsResearch and Consulting FirmsUniversities and Academic Medical Centers
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a one page program brief that includes goals, target population, activities, timeline, and success measures2
Build a basic tracking dashboard with a few key measures and a monthly reporting template3
Gain hands on experience by volunteering with a community health program or joining a short term project4
Complete a project management credential or course focused on planning and delivery5
Practice grant support by drafting a budget summary and a reporting outline from a public grant posting6
Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as people reached, completion rates, cost savings, or process improvements