Public Health Strategic Initiatives Manager

About the Department

Under minimal supervision responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of innovative funding, billing, and service delivery models that bridge public health and private healthcare systems. This position plays a critical role in designing sustainable revenue strategies, including private payor billing models, and integrating Community Health Worker (CHW) and Peer Support services into reimbursable public health activities. The position will oversee Rural Healthcare Transformation-funded budget and initiatives, ensuring compliance with all contractual, billing, and reporting requirements. This position requires a strong understanding of healthcare financing, public health systems, and cross-sector collaboration to advance sustainable, prevention-focused service delivery with the commitment to advance access to care and improving outcomes in rural communities.  Position has flexibility for remote work, with office-based in-person collaboration when required and occasional travel for meetings, site visits, training, and stakeholder engagement. Position expectations include commitment to advancing a cordial and collaborative workplace culture. Position is exempt, funded through Rural Healthcare Transformation Funds, and is contingent upon the availability and continuation of those funds. Employment is subject to grant-specific requirements and timelines.

Position Duties

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge,skills,andothercharacteristics.ThislistoftasksisILLUSTRATIVEONLY andisnotacomprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) Program Development & Strategy

• Lead the design and implementation of billing and reimbursement models that align public health services with private healthcare and payor systems.
• Conduct feasibility assessments of billing and revenue models for preventive and community-based services.
• Develop and operationalize billing frameworks for Community Health Worker (CHW) and Peer Support services.
• Identify and recommend strategies to integrate CHW and Peer Support into public health programming with sustainable funding mechanisms.

• Manage Rural Healthcare Transformation Funds in accordance with all grant and contract requirements.
• Oversee all financial tracking, billing processes, and reporting related to funded activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including grant management standards.
• Prepare and submit required financial and programmatic reports.

• Regular interaction and significant coordination and collaboration with internal cross-divisional teams, department leadership, and external partners; serving as the central coordinator across multiple project initiatives, teams, and partners.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with AHCCCS, private payers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and tribal partners.
• Collaborate with state and local government and healthcare entities to expand reimbursement opportunities for preventive, CHW, and peer support services.
• Facilitate cross-sector coordination to align public health initiatives with healthcare delivery systems.

• Identify staffing, technology, and data infrastructure needed to support billing operations.
• Oversee procurement and management of consultants or fiscal experts to design or strengthen billing systems.
• Pilot and evaluate reimbursement processes for preventive and community-based care.
• Develop policies, procedures, and workflows to support sustainable billing practices.

• Provide project management and oversight for all funded initiatives, including timelines, deliverables, and outcomes (in a non-supervisory capacity).
• Effectively collaborate with staff and/or contractors as applicable.
• Monitor program performance and implement continuous quality improvement strategies.
• Ensure alignment of projects with organizational priorities and public health best practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of healthcare financing, billing systems, revenue cycles, and reimbursement structures
• Strong understanding of public health systems and community-based service delivery
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and public health concepts into practical, sustainable models
• Experience facilitating cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Familiarity with rural healthcare systems and challenges
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, reporting, and use of relevant software systems (including AI)
• Ability to work independently and to manage multiple priorities

Other Qualifications

Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration or related field (Master’s degree preferred), or directly relevant job experience to offset degree requirement. Minimum of 5 years of experience in healthcare finance, public health program development and management, or healthcare administration, with ability to prove cross-collaboration between public and private healthcare systems. Experience working with Medicaid (preferably AHCCCS) and private insurance systems. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.