Director, Center for Rural Health

Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven leader to serve as Director of the Center for Rural Health, an essential role within the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP). This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of rural health across the Commonwealth by advancing innovative strategies that promote health equity, expand access to care, and strengthen community-based systems. Grounded in DPH's commitment to addressing structural inequities, this role is ideal for a leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for underserved populations and partnering with communities to drive meaningful, lasting change. As Director, you will lead a high-impact portfolio that includes oversight of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), supported by a significant federal investment of $162 million annually over five years. This role sits at the center of a transformative moment for rural health in Massachusetts, requiring strategic vision, strong collaboration, and the ability to align statewide initiatives with community needs.

The selected candidate will serve as a key advisor, working across agencies, engaging senior leadership, and partnering with local, state, and federal stakeholders to advance policy, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure successful program implementation. The Director will also bring a strong understanding of public health systems, demonstrated commitment to equity and community engagement, and the ability to lead teams through complex initiatives with both strategic insight and practical execution.

Please Note: This position has statewide responsibilities and therefore primary work location is flexible within DPH work sites. The incumbent will be required to report to the Boston office on a regular cadence.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide strategic leadership for the Center for Rural Health and serve as the federally designated Director of the State Office of Rural Health.
• Lead and oversee all RHTP initiatives and related DPH programs to ensure alignment with statewide priorities and grant objectives.
• Represent DPH on the EHS Rural Health Transformation Governance Team and serve as a key advisor on rural health strategy.
• Direct program design, development, and implementation in accordance with grant deliverables and public health best practices.
• Establish and guide internal workgroups to promote coordination, collaboration, and integration across DPH bureaus and programs.
• Engage subject matter experts and stakeholders across DPH, EHS, and external partners to advance rural health initiatives.
• Develop and advance statewide and local rural health policies in collaboration with senior leadership and community partners.
• Oversee State Office of Rural Health programs, including the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program and Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management for staff, including setting priorities, workflows, and professional development.
• Manage program budgets, develop spending plans, and ensure effective use of funding to meet program goals.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Support grant development efforts, including identifying opportunities and contributing to successful grant applications.

• Demonstrated expertise in public health systems, including strategies that drive systems and environmental change to improve rural health outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of community health policies, practices, and emerging trends impacting rural populations.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and addressing social determinants of health.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and develop high-performing teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Experience collaborating with senior leaders, policymakers, and external stakeholders, including elected officials.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage large-scale programs or initiatives.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and building effective partnerships across agencies or organizations.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and develop practical, result-driven solutions.
• Experience managing grants, including reporting requirements, funding compliance, and successful grant writing efforts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, Planner, PowerPoint, and Teams.