Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Reports To:

Deputy Director, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Location:

Charleston, West Virginia Position Overview:

The WV Rural Health Transformation strategy was built through a deep stakeholder engagement process that combined broad public input, targeted convenings, and direct interviews with industry and community leaders. This robust engagement framework aims to foster strong partnerships and ensure the RHTP is a community-driven initiative, not just a health initiative, designed to improve health outcomes and workforce participation in West Virginia. The Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is crucial to the program's success, serving as the central point for all communications and outreach activities. This position's primary goal is to build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned with the program's initiatives.

Core Responsibilities:

Managing Messaging & Reports :

The coordinator ensures that all internal and external communications are consistent, accurate, and transparent. This includes preparing program summaries, progress reports, and public-facing materials. Coordinating with the

Governor's Office & Relevant Agencies :

The role involves close collaboration with the Governor's office and state agencies (such as the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services) to align the RHTP with broader state initiatives and policies.

Organizing Program Updates & Stakeholder Engagement Sessions :

The coordinator is responsible for planning and executing ongoing engagement activities. This ensures continuous feedback loops and keeps all partners informed about the program's progress, challenges, and new opportunities for involvement.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Public Relations, Communications, Public Policy/Administration, Public Health, Social Science, or Health Science. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in community engagement, public affairs/relations, communications, or project management. Familiarity with the healthcare industry, public health policies, and state/federal regulations is crucial for effective communication and alignment with program goals.

Core Competencies:

Communication :

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, including public speaking and the ability to distill complex information into clear messages for diverse audiences.

Relationship Management :

The ability to build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with a wide array of stakeholders, from community members to the Governor's office and industry leaders, is fundamental. This requires strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Project Management & Organization :

Strong organizational and project management skills are necessary to plan, coordinate, and execute numerous engagement activities simultaneously, manage timelines, and ensure deadlines are met.

Conflict Resolution :

Skills in negotiation and resolving conflicts among stakeholders with competing priorities are important for reaching consensus and maintaining productive partnerships.

Analytical Skills :

The ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data and feedback from stakeholders to inform program improvements and decision-making is valuable.

Systems Thinking :

The capacity to understand how the stakeholder engagement plan fits within the broader health initiative and state system is a key asset for driving systemic change. Commitment to the Governor's mission of "Stronger Lives, Healthier Choices, and a Better West Virginia."

Appointment and Compensation:

This is an exempt (at-will) position under the Department of Health. Compensation will be commensurate with executive-level public service, experience, and qualifications. This position includes full state benefits and travel reimbursement for statewide engagement. This position is a full-time, term-limited appointment for a period of up to five (5) years and is contingent upon the award and continued availability of federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Continued employment beyond the project period is not guaranteed. Applicants interested in learning more about the program and the State's proposed approach may review the application materials here: https://governor.wv.gov/rht #INDHP Application Question(s): Do you meet the required qualifications?

Work Location:

In person