Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

About this Job The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana. Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health This position will be filled a full-time Unclassified position Join a dynamic team at the forefront of statewide emergency preparedness and response. This position plays a critical leadership role in overseeing emergency preparedness information systems, directing large-scale system modernization initiatives, and managing contracts and vendor partnerships that support vital public health operations across Louisiana.

The selected candidate will lead strategic planning and implementation of emergency management technologies, coordinate real-time emergency operations support, and collaborate with healthcare facilities, state agencies, and emergency response partners statewide. This role offers the opportunity to influence high-impact decisions, drive innovation in emergency preparedness systems, lead statewide trainings and exercises, and support mission-critical operations during disasters and public health emergencies. Ideal candidates are strong leaders with experience in information systems, contract management, emergency operations coordination, and cross-functional collaboration who thrive in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments.

Minimum Qualifications Applicants must possess, at minimum, an Associate degree from an accredited college or university. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in contract management. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and data management systems.

Strong organizational, analytical, and record management skills preferred. Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties: 50% Statewide System Authority & Contract Oversight Leads statewide implementation, planning, and rollout of new software, system upgrades, and product enhancements, including coordinating deployment schedules, developing implementation frameworks, and ensuring alignment with operational and emergency-response needs for all information systems related to emergency preparedness. Directs system modernization, long-term planning, and sustainability efforts in response, ensuring the system remains operationally viable and responsive to evolving emergency preparedness requirements.

Develops the overall strategic plans for Information management for emergency preparedness activities. Leads the application development and maintenance efforts for all emergency preparedness information systems Prepares all required documentation to support these activities, including user guides and other training materials. Directs contract oversight, vendor performance management Coordinates with the Finance and Admin team for all system-related procurement activities, including RFIs, RFPs, and software agreements.

Develops vendor deliverables, timelines, and system enhancements critical to emergency preparedness operations. Leads strategic planning efforts focused on system sustainability, funding transitions, and operational efficiencies. Collaborates with vendors on implementation planning, testing, and rollout of new software features and enhancements, ensuring deliverables meet statewide operational and emergency-response requirements.

25% Emergency Operations Leadership & Real-Time Decision Authority Provides administrative expertise in the development and management of complex plans and operational protocols under the direction of the LDH Emergency Preparedness Leadership. Develops and implements various emergency management plans and protocols for LDH Emergency Preparedness. Serves in a leadership role within the State Emergency Operations Center, including acting as shift lead as required, and prepares situation reports, dashboards, and decision-support products used by the LDH Leadership.

Coordinates the training and support of all critical health care facilities statewide (hospitals, nursing homes, adult residential care facilities, ICF-11 D group homes, etc.) In the use of the core information systems for emergency management. Collects and prepares a variety of data sets and situation reports for use by LDH Leadership in Unified Command Groups Plans and coordinates end-user support for these systems year-round, including the establishment and training of specialized support teams activated during a declared disaster. Coordinates and oversees data center operations and data functions during emergency events

10% Personnel Oversight & Cross-Functional Leadership Plans and coordinates certain statewide disaster exercises and drills Coordinates the collection and assembly of After Action Reports for LDH Emergency Preparedness. Conducts statewide training sessions throughout the year, in-person and via webinars and coordinates logistical operations for training events. 10% Interagency Coordination & External Representation Develops and maintains relationships with a wide variety of regional, state and national emergency management partners.

Develops and maintains relationships with a wide variety of partnerships with LDH Offices and Bureaus as relates to emergency preparedness. Represents the department in interagency committees, task forces, and planning initiatives requiring emergency preparedness information systems subject-matter expertise. Collaborates with critical healthcare facilities statewide and ESF-8 Network in the integration of the Department's responsibilities and capabilities in response effort 5% Other Duties Performs additional duties as assigned to support ESF-6 and ESF-8 emergency preparedness information systems operations, ensuring continuity during routine and disaster operations.

Provides flexible operational and administrative support to leadership to address emerging priorities, special projects, and time-sensitive initiatives related to emergency preparedness systems and response activities Position-Specific Details: Location: Office of the Secretary / Deputy Secretary / East Baton Rouge Parish Appointment Type: This vacancy will be filled as a full-time Unclassified position. Cost Center: 3071010600 Position Number(s): 50693078 Compensation: Depends on Qualifications How To Apply No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.

Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. * Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education)

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE.

Contact Information: Deanda Thymes Deanda.Thymes@la.gov LA Department of Health (LDH) Division of Human Resources PO Box 4818 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 225-342-6477 This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218. LDH supports Louisiana's commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.