Program Manager Contract Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Program Manager, Healthy Hometowns, provides strategic and operational leadership for the statewide Healthy Hometowns - Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Program.  The role manages all aspects of the Healthy Hometowns program, translating grant objectives into actionable plans, coordinating multi-agency initiatives across maternal and child health, behavioral health, cardiovascular care, and chronic disease prevention, and advancing telehealth integration and sustainable referral networks. Serving as the primary liaison to funders, state agencies, and partners, the role oversees long-term planning, compliance, and reporting. The role supervises staff and contractors, ensuring financial accountability and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.

Position Type: Specified Term.  The initial appointment is for five years.  Appointments may be extended based on performance and available funding.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location. 

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead the strategic vision, direction, and long-term planning for a major, high-visibility health care impact grant.

• Translate the grant's goals into actionable strategies, implementation plans, and performance metrics.

• Identify organizational needs and develop solutions that drive operational excellence and program impact.

• Mobilize, plan and assist in leading the Annual KickOff Meeting

• Maintain daily business operations and 3businessday response standard to Iowa HHS and other participating groups

• Facilitate planning, assessment, and implementation of Hub-and-Spoke models for maternal/child health, mental/behavioral health, cardiovascular care, and chronic disease prevention. 

• Guide telehealth integration and sustainable referral network development. 

• Initiate strategic partnerships among rural providers and draft collaboration agreements.

• Coordinate shared systems for case management and specialty referrals. 

• Build and maintain the Work Plan; track deliverablebased reimbursement and administrative cost cap

• Coordinate Monthly Agency update meetings, BiAnnual progress meetings, and Annual Reports; ensuring ontime submission of required reports

Program Implementation & Project Management

• Lead day-to-day oversight of all program activities tied to the grant.

• Direct project scope, planning, timelines, workstreams, and resource allocation to meet goals and budget targets.

• Apply advanced project management methodologies to track progress, mitigate risks, and resolve issues proactively.

• Manage multiple simultaneous workstreams while prioritizing efforts to meet deadlines and achieve outcomes.

Grant Administration & Compliance

• Serve as the primary contact with funders; oversee reporting, compliance, deliverables, and communication.

• Develop, manage, and monitor grant budgets; ensure alignment with funder and institutional requirements.

• Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and organizational policies and regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence

• Build and manage relationships with senior-level administrators, clinical leaders, community partners, and funders.

• Facilitate collaboration across multiple organizational units and external partners, aligning efforts toward shared objectives.

• Influence decisionmakers by integrating complex data, insights, and stakeholder perspectives into recommendations.

• Convene and lead advisory groups, steering committees, and cross-functional working groups.

Data, Evaluation, & Reporting

• Develop performance metrics, generate program reports, and maintain compliance with RFP objectives and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standards. 

• Monitor expenditures, ensure financial accountability, and oversee consultant input on legal and compliance matters. 

• Oversee development of evaluation frameworks and performance indicators.

• Translate complex data and technical information into clear, actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.

• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and updates that communicate outcomes, progress, and risks.

Team & Resource Management

• Manage financial, organizational, and staff resources to support successful program delivery.

• Provide leadership to project staff, analysts, consultants, and contractors.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

• Serve as a primary contract with state health agencies, rural health partners, and subcontractors.  

• Supervise and align efforts across the teams. 

Required

• Master's degree in public health, health administration, public policy, social sciences, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3 years of related experience in health care, business, or operational management.

• Demonstrated experience in strategy implementation and project management.

• Proven ability to translate complex data into simple, actionable insights for a variety of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success working with and influencing senior leaders, with the ability to motivate and align stakeholders.

• Strong financial, organizational, and staff resource management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly at all organizational levels.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Willingness to travel statewide.

• Valid driver's license plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety program driving standards.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desired:

• Knowledge of University and UI Health Care policies, procedures and regulations.

• 5 years of experience managing or coordinating a rural health, grant-funded program.

• Knowledge of Hub-and-Spoke healthcare models, telehealth, and rural health systems.

Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

 Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.