Program Manager, Rural Health Transformation Progam

Program Manager, Rural Health Transformation Program

The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Academic Affairs seeks a Program Manager to administer the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This position will provide systemwide coordination of planning, funding distribution, and project execution related to one-time investments designed to expand rural health workforce training capacity across Wisconsin.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Manage systemwide implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program in alignment with funding requirements and strategic objectives
• Develop timelines, processes, and documentation to guide program execution in collaboration with Office of Academic Affairs staff
• Coordinate internal UW governance and reporting structures related to program activities
• Identify project needs, contributes to development of strategic and operational solutions, allocates resources, and implements new or revised operational policies and procedures
• Coordinate and administer competitive funding processes, including development of solicitation materials and management of proposal submissions
• Facilitate review and evaluation processes and support funding recommendation development
• Work with UW-Madison's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to coordinate allocation, distribution, and tracking of program funds
• Coordinate financial transactions and documentation among stakeholders including DHS and UWs
• Monitor project budgets, deliverables, timelines, and compliance with funding requirements
• Serve as a primary point of contact with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and partner organizations.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with university leaders, program administrators, and cross-functional partners
• Support alignment of grant-funded activities with established strategic goals and rural workforce development priorities
• Track program outcomes and implementation progress
• Ensure documentation supports accountability and audit readiness
• Prepare and submit required financial, performance, and progress reports for leadership and external agencies
• Facilitate systemwide communication regarding program expectations and opportunities
• Support campuses in understanding funding guidelines and implementation requirements
• Promote best practices and cross-campus collaboration

The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) assists the Board of Regents, the UW System President, and the UW universities to sustain sufficient access for students to majors and careers, identify gaps in systemwide program array, and analyze the workforce development needs of the state—all in the context of efficient management of systemwide resources. The office also supports PK-20 education initiatives.

Compensation:

The Administrative Manager (working title: Manager, Rural Health Transformation Program) is a full-time, exempt academic staff position. This position is expected to end date one year from the start date. This is a grant-funded appointment aligned with the duration and funding timeline of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Continuation is contingent upon funding availability and program needs.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $64,000 - $74,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

The Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI) or Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (US). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, health administration, education, business, or related field
• Experience administering budgets or grant-funded programs
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or workforce development initiatives
• Familiarity with grant compliance and financial reporting
• Demonstrated experience leading and contributing to multi-stakeholder projects involving internal teams and external partners
• Strong organizational and administration skills, and experience with data systems, process documentation, and project management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Experience working with public agencies or intergovernmental programs
• Knowledge of rural health workforce challenges

Work Location:

The office location is located at Van Hise Hall in Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected three days per week with the option to work the remaining two days off-site/remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.

How to Apply:

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, May 3, 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled. To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a Resume (PDF Format) and cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format).

Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.

Contact Information:

Questions may be addressed to: Kristina Williston, HR Generalist at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Accommodation Request:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io.

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy:

This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

Employment Authorization:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on, before, or after the effective date of appointment.

Confidentiality:

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

Benefits Information:

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees or University Staff Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information.

Clery Act Information:

The Universities of Wisconsin provides statistics on campus crime in its Annual Security Report. For more information on university campus statistics see

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.