Rural Health Forward Program Manager

Are you passionate about improving healthcare in rural communities? CHAD is seeking a Rural Health Forward Program Manager to lead provider engagement, partnerships, and training coordination efforts for a statewide initiative focused on strengthening South Dakota's rural healthcare workforce.

Rural Health Forward is a statewide initiative designed to strengthen South Dakota's rural healthcare workforce through innovative training, professional development, networking, and learning opportunities. Working in partnership with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and statewide stakeholders, Rural Health Forward supports healthcare professionals and organizations in delivering exceptional care to rural communities.

The Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving access to affordable, high-quality healthcare across North and South Dakota. For more than 35 years, CHAD has worked alongside health centers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and partners to ensure all Dakotans have access to the care they need.

Our mission is to foster healthy communities by promoting and supporting programs that increase access to affordable, high-quality care for all.

At CHAD, we value integrity, respect, reliability, collaboration, innovation, and belonging.

The Rural Health Forward Program Manager provides leadership for statewide provider engagement, partnership development, and training coordination activities for the Rural Health Forward initiative. This position serves as the primary contact for participating rural healthcare providers and works closely with healthcare organizations, universities, state agencies, and other partners to advance workforce development across South Dakota.

The Program Manager plays a critical role in expanding provider participation, strengthening rural healthcare networks, supporting a statewide learning platform, and helping ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: 3+ years of experience in healthcare program management, workforce development, provider relations, or community engagement.
• Strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with rural healthcare organizations and multi-partner initiatives is a plus.
• Experience with learning management systems or virtual training platforms.
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs and performance reporting.
• South Dakota residency required.
• Some in-state travel, as well as occasional out-of-state travel, may be necessary.

• We offer competitive pay and outstanding benefits, including:
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
• Generous paid time off and 11 paid holidays
• Wellness time and office stipend
• Remote work environment
• Meaningful work that improves healthcare access across South Dakota

The anticipated starting hiring range for this position is $65,000–$75,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications. Candidates whose experience, skills, and credentials exceed the requirements of the role are encouraged to apply. Compensation above the stated hiring range may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

If you are a collaborative relationship-builder who is passionate about strengthening rural healthcare and making a difference in communities across South Dakota, we encourage you to apply.