Director of Health Initiatives

Job Description

Job Description

Purpose

As a catalyst for positive social change, ServeMinnesota moves research to practice and deploys the people power of AmeriCorps to meet critical needs in Minnesota. This leadership role is pivotal in shaping our AmeriCorps program design, impact evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for improving access to housing security and peer recovery support AmeriCorps programs, leading the strategic decision-making process for program activities, and defining key outcomes that drive program success. ServeMinnesota is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment united by our shared mission.

This position is based in downtown Minneapolis and currently working a hybrid schedule. The Director of Health Initiatives is required to work in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Essential Job Functions

Program Design and Strategy: Lead the development and improvement of AmeriCorps programs focused on health and community impact—including peer recovery support and housing security—and ensuring program can be implemented by AmeriCorps members and meet the needs of our communities.

1. Content and Policy Expertise: Regularly review and summarize existing research and best practices related to Healthy Futures programming and incorporate into program design and improvement plans. Monitor state and national policy, legislation, and trends to strategically position ServeMinnesota programs.

2. Program Evaluation: Work in partnership with the ServeMinnesota Impact Team to source external organizations and researchers to develop and conduct evaluations to measure program impact and identify areas for program improvement and innovation.

3. Partnership Development: Collaborate with external partners, government agencies, researchers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to foster productive working relationships that enhance program impact.

4. Build and Sustain Workforce Opportunities: Contribute subject matter expertise to support revenue strategies, workforce development initiatives, and career pathway opportunities for members.

5. Health Initiatives Advisory Committee: Convene an advisory committee(s) with experts in the fields of recovery and housing. Recruit members and develop an agenda ensuring topics are community informed and aligned to state strategy. Transform and align topic discussions to program implications.

6. Workforce Alignment: Strengthen economic potential by identifying additional career pathways for AmeriCorps members related to the recovery and housing sectors.

7. Represent ServeMinnesota Locally and Nationally: Attend and present at AmeriCorps and healthy future related meetings, conferences, and events. Serve on relevant committees and working groups.

8. Grant Support: In collaboration with the ServeMinnesota Development Team, contribute to various federal, state, and private grant writing and reporting projects.

Job Qualifications

Minimum

• Deep familiarity with peer-recovery support and/or housing navigation support, including the research-base and best practices in the field.

• Three years of experience in program design, implementation, research, or evaluation, in recovery or housing related fields.

• Master’s Degree or PhD in related field (e.g. behavior health, public health, social work, human services, recovery services, counseling, psychology, public affairs). Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree and additional years of relevant experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external partners from various backgrounds.
• Strong writing skills, with an ability to adapt writing style to different audiences.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex research findings to a non-technical audience.
• Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills, including ability to structure tasks, establish priorities, and meet deadlines independently
• Knowledge of principles of measurement, analysis, and data interpretation.
• A passion for serving communities and a commitment to social impact.

Preferred

• Lived experience with substance use disorder and/or housing insecurity.

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), or Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC MN/ADCR-MN), or other state recognized credential in addiction counseling or peer recovery services.

• Established connections with government agencies, researchers, community organizations, or other stakeholders in the recovery or housing sectors.

• Proficient in using data to drive decision making.

• Knowledge of AmeriCorps programs and the non-profit sector.

• Experience transferring research to community-based practice.

• Experience with workforce pathways related to recovery and housing.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary range of $100,000 - $110,000 depending on experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including 403b retirement plan

• Hybrid work environment with flexibility

• Meaningful work with a mission-driven team

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

• A welcoming culture of learning and collaboration

About ServeMinnesota

ServeMinnesota is a hub for innovation creating high-impact, evidence-based programs that meet communities where they are, improving lives in Minnesota and beyond. We are highly invested in the success of our people and strive to make it an awesome, empowering, and collaborative place to work. We recruit passionate people who are energized by making an impact in our communities through national service.

As the state's Commission on National and Community Service, ServeMinnesota combines national service with research in education, housing, health, environmental conservation, and more. Annually more than 2,000 adults serve their communities through these programs in 78 of the state’s 87 counties. Two of ServeMinnesota’s signature programs, Reading Corps and Math Corps, have received national recognition for their effective and scalable tutoring model. Combining public and private dollars, strong community partnerships, and proven research, ServeMinnesota makes meaningful contributions to the state.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.