Program Manager - Combat Cancer
The Program Manager, Combat Cancer, serves as the operational lead for the Combat Cancer Technical Assistance initiative, aligning all efforts with Iowa Healthy Hometown – Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program. This role drives statewide capacity building and hub-and-spoke implementation, ensures compliance with deliverable-based reimbursement, and advances the integration of evidence-based practices, tele-oncology, and sustainable care models. As the primary liaison to Iowa HHS, the position coordinates multidisciplinary teams to achieve measurable improvements in cancer care access and quality across rural Iowa.
Position Type: Specified Term. The initial appointment is for five years. Appointments may be extended based on performance and available funding.
Position Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Lead the strategic vision, direction, and long-term planning for a major, high-visibility health care impact grant.
Translate the grant’s goals into actionable strategies, implementation plans, and performance metrics.
Identify organizational needs and develop solutions that drive operational excellence and program impact.
Mobilize, plan, and assist in leading the Annual Kick‑Off Meeting
Maintain daily business operations and a 3‑business‑day response standard to Iowa HHS and other participating groups
Oversee statewide outreach plan, county/district alignment
Ensure documentation of technical assistance and public posting of materials.
Build and maintain the Work Plan; track deliverable‑based reimbursement and administrative cost cap
Coordinate Monthly Agency update meetings, Bi‑Annual progress meetings, and Annual Reports; ensuring on‑time submission of required reports
Program Implementation & Project Management
Lead day‑to‑day oversight of all program activities tied to the grant.
Direct project scope, planning, timelines, workstreams, and resource allocation to meet goals and budget targets.
Apply advanced project management methodologies to track progress, mitigate risks, and resolve issues proactively.
Manage multiple simultaneous workstreams while prioritizing efforts to meet deadlines and achieve outcomes.
Grant Administration & Compliance
Serve as the primary contact with funders; oversee reporting, compliance, deliverables, and communication.
Develop, manage, and monitor grant budgets; ensure alignment with funder and institutional requirements.
Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and organizational policies and regulations.
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
Build and manage relationships with senior-level administrators, clinical leaders, community partners, and funders.
Facilitate collaboration across multiple organizational units and external partners, aligning efforts toward shared objectives.
Influence decision‑makers by integrating complex data, insights, and stakeholder perspectives into recommendations.
Convene and lead advisory groups, steering committees, and cross-functional working groups.
Data, Evaluation, & Reporting
Oversee development of evaluation frameworks and performance indicators.
Translate complex data and technical information into clear, actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.
Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and updates that communicate outcomes, progress, and risks.
Team & Resource Management
Manage financial, organizational, and staff resources to support successful program delivery.
Provide leadership to project staff, analysts, consultants, and contractors.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Required
Master’s degree in public health, health administration, public policy, social sciences, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
3 years of related experience in health care, business, or operational management.
Demonstrated experience in strategy implementation and project management.
Proven ability to translate complex data into simple, actionable insights for a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated success working with and influencing senior leaders, with the ability to motivate and align stakeholders.
Strong financial, organizational, and staff resource management skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly at all organizational levels.
Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Willingness to travel statewide.
Valid driver’s license plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety program driving standards.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired
Knowledge of University and UI Health Care policies, procedures, and regulations.
5 years of experience managing or coordinating a rural health grant-funded program.
Knowledge of Hub-and-Spoke healthcare models, telehealth, and rural health systems.
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
