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The Stakeholder Engagement Lead is the primary relationship administrator for Arizona's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), responsible for developing and leading a statewide stakeholder engagement strategy that supports program goals and rural healthcare priorities. The role serves as the main liaison among AHCCCS, healthcare providers, managed care plans, Tribal governments, community organizations, state and local agencies, and rural residents, ensuring collaboration and stakeholder input informs program decisions. The position coordinates statewide outreach, Tribal consultation, community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and communication efforts to promote awareness and implementation of RHTP initiatives. Working closely with program leadership and key partners, the Stakeholder Engagement Lead helps ensure federal investments are effectively integrated into Arizona's rural healthcare system to improve access, workforce development, care delivery, and long-term community health outcomes.

This position is grant funded and may be eliminated based on the availability of funding. Arizona's Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the financial assistance award totaling $166,988,955.92 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Design and implement a statewide engagement strategy that advances RHTP objectives and aligns with Arizona's rural health priorities, serving as primary liaison among AHCCCS, providers, Tribes, Tribal Nations, and Tribal Communities, local and state agencies, and rural residents.
Implement a statewide strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plan to support RHTP goals, stakeholder awareness, transparency, and participation.
Establish and maintain stakeholder engagement processes, including advisory groups, listening sessions, public forums, surveys, workgroups, and/or other feedback mechanisms to gather and incorporate stakeholder perspectives into program planning and implementation.
Partner with Tribal Liaison(s) to coordinate Tribal engagement and consultation activities in accordance with agency-specific Tribal Consultation policy.
Collect, analyze, and synthesize stakeholder feedback and engagement data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and develop actionable recommendations.
Ensure stakeholder engagement and communication activities comply with CMS grant requirements and applicable program guidance.
Coordinate cross-agency and community collaboration to integrate federal investment efficiently and sustainably, with a focus on equitable access and continuity of care in rural settings.

Knowledge of:
State and federal health care laws and regulations
State government organization, operations, processes, and procedures
Health care industry and managed care concepts and practices
Community engagement and public outreach initiatives
Tribal governments and Tribal consultation processes
Federal grant-funded programs including federal grant administration and compliance requirements
Public sector administration and intergovernmental relations
Skilled in:
Strong project management and organization skills
Experience developing communication materials, presentations, stakeholder reports, and/or executive briefings
Strong facilitation, consensus-building, and relationship-management skills
Public speaking and presentations
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite, and comfortable navigating new software products and applications
Ability to:
Design and implement a statewide stakeholder engagement and strategic communication strategy
Facilitate meetings, listening sessions, work-groups, advisory committees, and public engagement forums while building consensus among diverse stakeholders
Collect, analyze, and interpret stakeholder feedback and engagement data and develop actionable recommendations
Engage and influence diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, healthcare providers, Tribal Nations, Tribes, and Tribal Communities, community-based organizations, government agencies, and rural residents
Coordinate cross-agency and community collaboration and to translate federal grant requirements into clear communications for external partners
Willingness and ability to travel statewide, including approximately monthly site visits to rural counties (state-owned vehicles provided)

Arizona driver's license.

Minimum:
Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., public health, public administration, communications, or community or health policy) with 2-3 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, community or government relations, public affairs, or partnership development (OR equivalent combination of education and experience).
Preferred:
Master's degree in a elated field (e.g., public health, public administration, communications, or community or health policy) with 2-4 years experience in stakeholder engagement, community or government relations, public affairs, or partnership development.

Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
10 paid holidays per year
Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child. Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.
Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
A variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).
Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
Voluntary participation.
Program administered through Nationwide.
Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.

Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.