Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

About The Health Initiative :

The U.S. spends ~$14 billion every day on healthcare, even though ~80% of health outcomes are tied to drivers of health like access to healthy food, safe homes, and well-paying jobs. THI works to unlock existing healthcare dollars to invest in these basics that people need to be healthy.

We work intensively with state, federal, and private healthcare institutions that control billions of dollars and impact millions of lives to spur them to invest in health – and, at the same time, mobilize stakeholders (many historically excluded from financial / policy pathways) to challenge these institutions to act.

THI’s work reflects a potential win-win-win : people and communities secure the resources necessary to be healthy; taxpayers and the government save on healthcare costs; and private health plans improve their bottom line.

THI’s efforts have unlocked $650M in healthcare dollars to pay for healthy food, rent, and other basics; secured $50M in annual wage increases for frontline healthcare workers; and spurred policy changes ensuring that 35M Americans are asked annually by their healthcare providers whether they are struggling with food, housing, or other basics.

THI’s team has dedicated our lives to creating productive change and to disrupting the healthcare system. We have led and worked in federal healthcare agencies, health policy organizations, community-based clinics, healthcare delivery systems, and quality improvement organizations.

About the Position :

The Health Initiative (THI) seeks a resourceful, nimble, and detail-oriented Program Director. This team member has four primary functions :

Work with THI’s Chief Campaign Officer to advance and steward relationships with major partners to achieve THI’s aim

Lead and support the development of content and communications ( e.g., briefings, presentations, reports)

Manage overall timelines and systems to achieve programmatic and partnership goals

Oversee the work of and directly manage the program team

A successful candidate will thrive in the fast-paced context of issue-based campaigns and / or start-up environments and have a strong understanding of the health and healthcare industry. We seek candidates with excellent relational instincts, strong attention to detail, and good communication skills who are able to flex between strategic conversations and detail-oriented execution. The Program Director will be able to translate the work into clear content and process priorities, work with the team to manage and execute against timelines, adapt approaches to different styles, and nimbly adjust plans and content to help THI mobilize partners across the sector.

The position reports to the Chief Campaign Officer, who oversees THI’s programmatic and fundraising work. THI’s Research Associates are direct reports to the position and, as part of a small organization, the Director will also engage other staff in fulfilling responsibilities. All staff at THI work collaboratively and across functions to deliver on our mission.

Responsibilities :

The Program Director supports the Co-CEOs and Chief Campaign Officer in building and sustaining transformative relationships with actors across the health sector. Given the dynamic nature of the organization, the responsibilities below are reflective but not exhaustive of what you should expect in the role.

Ongoing Responsibilities :

Staff and advise THI’s Co-Founders and Chief Campaign Officer on partner relationship management and strategy. Manage up, down, and sideways for effective implementation

Translate organizational objectives into tactical workplans for achieving goals with specific stakeholders. Make recommendations on prioritization of tasks and relationships across key stakeholders

Develop and review materials ( e.g., emails, memos, presentations) to mobilize and support partners. Ensure accuracy and clarity of thought

Support standardization of content and process to help maximize efficiency

Identify and build the tools and systems that position THI to effectively steward its most important relationships

Direct day-to-day work of Research Associates and others to ensure overall quality and efficiency of program team’s work

Provide coaching and career development guidance to support professional growth of Research Associates and other members of the program team

Work with the CCO, Co-CEOs, senior leadership team, and other relevant team members to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of output and systems and to test new approaches based on learnings

Who We’re Looking For :

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work.

This position might be a good fit for someone that has experience managing complex partnerships to achieve ambitious health or healthcare goals; someone with deep sector knowledge developed through consulting, working at a health plan, or a think tank; or someone with experience supporting executives in designing and implementing major changes at scale.

We are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

Seven to ten years’ progressive experience overseeing high-stakes work in the health and healthcare sector

Understanding of the basics of healthcare financing and payment systems ( e.g., Medicaid, Medicare)

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage relationships internally and externally

Issue-based campaign experience focused on health and / or drivers of health

Ability to translate goals and objectives into tactics

Track record of effectively managing and supporting direct reports, as well as holding teams (including teammates that don’t directly report to them) accountable to achieving ambitious goals

Strong writing skills, including ability to adapt technical content to diverse audiences

Concise verbal communications. Ask questions to clarify points of view or illuminate options. Make clear recommendations

The ability to work independently and as a team member

A talent for prioritizing and managing multiple projects with short-, medium-, and long-term deadlines; ability to successfully meet deadlines consistently

Strong strategic and systems thinking skills, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to do whatever it takes to get projects over the line

Continuous improvement mindset, ability to learn and use new systems and technology

Good judgment; ability to recognize and successfully navigate ambiguity

Scrupulous attention to detail while also recognizing that creativity and flexibility are essential for long term success

Commitment to and deep understand of the mission, vision, and values of THI and their impact on healthcare

Equity-minded individual who displays an informed and thoughtful commitment to diversity and inclusion both internally and externally

Compensation and Benefits :

THI offers a comprehensive benefits package. The salary for this position is $150,000. THI has a no-negotiation compensation policy. In addition to a competitive salary, THI also offers :

Full coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and family

Generous 401K matching and parental leave

Unlimited sustainable vacation and sick time

This is a full-time, exempt role with some flexible evening and weekend work expected and is fully remote within the US. THI prefers staff to work eastern time zone hours.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

The Health Initiative values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual identity, veteran status or any other status protected by law. People of color, LGBTQ identified people, gender non-conforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply :

Please submit 1) a cover letter linking your skills and experience to this position description and 2) your resume through Positively Partners’ website.

Copyright 2025 Positively Partners LLC

Salary : $50 - $150,000