ROOTS Hub Initiative 2 Lead (Remote NC)

Vaya Health is a comprehensive health services organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families by improving access to healthcare and behavioral health services. As a key player in the North Carolina healthcare landscape, Vaya Health administers a range of programs designed to support community health, focusing on serving rural and underserved populations. The organization partners with healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to build sustainable health solutions that address complex health needs across the state. With a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts and innovation, Vaya Health strives to ensure equity in healthcare access and outcomes for all residents, particularly those in rural areas who often face significant barriers to adequate care.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a statewide initiative dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities. Within this framework, the ROOTS Hub Initiative 2 Lead plays a crucial role in advancing these goals within a designated region consisting of twelve North Carolina counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. This position is remote but requires residency in or within 40 miles of these counties in North Carolina.

The ROOTS Hub Initiative 2 Lead supports the implementation and operational oversight of Initiative 2, which focuses on critical areas such as prevention and screening services, chronic disease management, maternal health, and nutritional health. By scaling evidence-based and community-informed programs, the role directly contributes to strengthening rural healthcare systems and enhancing preventive care. This is achieved through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, behavioral health specialists, community organizations, and regional stakeholders, ensuring that programs are tailored to the unique needs of rural populations while also allowing for strategic expansion to urban areas when priorities align.

This role reports to the ROOTS Hub Initiatives Manager and involves close coordination with key regional partners, including university affiliates, health management organizations, and public health departments. Responsibilities include operational planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting, governance activities, community involvement, and active monitoring of program implementation. The position demands a high level of emotional intelligence, discretion, independent judgment, and superior communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and community partners.

Additional duties include leading day-to-day implementation efforts for Initiative 2, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across healthcare, public health, and social services sectors, and driving the establishment of ROOTS Hubs — collaborative centers designed to integrate medical, behavioral, and social services for improved rural healthcare access. The Lead also plays a strategic role in ensuring fiscal sustainability for rural health providers by promoting innovative funding models. Performance monitoring, quality improvement, community partnership building, and compliance with state and federal program requirements are integral aspects of this role.

Candidates will possess a bachelor's degree in public health, healthcare administration, nursing, social work, nutrition, or a related field, with a preference for those holding a master's degree. A minimum of two years' experience in project management and coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder health initiatives is required, alongside knowledge of healthcare systems including Medicaid and Medicare. Certifications in project management and quality improvement are preferred but not mandatory. This exempt position offers a salary commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience, emphasizing a commitment to impactful rural health transformation. Vaya Health is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring practices and fostering a diverse workplace.