Program Director

Job Summary:

The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is committed to advancing public health equity and addressing health disparities in Colorado's rural and frontier communities. As part of these efforts, the Rural Public Health Initiative (RPHI) is a strategic priority within the ColoradoSPH Office of the Dean. The RPHI seeks to improve health outcomes by fostering partnerships with rural healthcare providers, community organizations, government agencies, and other collaborators to address the unique public health challenges faced by rural and frontier populations in Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain Region.

The Program Director will provide visionary leadership for the RPHI, guiding program development, research efforts, and community partnerships to enhance rural public health. This role is key in positioning ColoradoSPH as a leading institution in rural public health policy, research, and practice.

This appointment requires a commitment of at least 0.30 FTE over a 12-month period and will be linked to a full-time or part-time faculty appointment within ColoradoSPH, including UNC or CSU, or other schools within CU Anschutz, CU Denver, or CU Boulder. Candidates are welcome to apply for a tenure or non-tenure track faculty appointment. The incumbent will serve in this role for one year and may be eligible for a renewed twelve month appointment subject to funding.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Program Director:

1. Engage in outreach to prospective undergraduate students interested in rural healthcare or public health careers, while providing ongoing mentorship, teaching, and support to current rural cohort students enrolled at the school.
2. Work with student affairs to prioritize admissions and set aside seats for rural initiative/track students.
3. Award scholarships linked to qualified students with a demonstrated commitment to rural populations. (e.g. from rural communities with an intent to practice public health)
4. Contribute didactic curriculum about rural public health in conjunction with the statewide rural health care workforce initiative; inform and guide internal ColoradoSPH curriculum during reform process.
5. Identify rural training sites and preceptors.
6. Invest instructional support and administrative resources for rural preceptors.
7. Place students for significant duration in rural sites for training, like a capstone or practicum (Note: housing, scholarships, and guided mentorship may be required).
8. Serve as primary contact for meeting the SOPH's role and responsibilities in the Colorado Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Program Leadership: Oversee the academic and operational activities of the RPHI, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of ColoradoSPH.
• Collaboration and Partnership Development: Engage with faculty, staff, and rural health partners across Colorado and beyond to advance rural public health initiatives and research.
• Research and Community Outreach: Lead the development of sponsored research projects and community outreach activities focused on rural health issues, including workforce shortages, health access barriers, disease prevention, and other issues. Collaborate with community partners to develop and implement a strategic plan that addresses the priorities and challenges of rural health in Colorado
• Capacity Building: Foster collaboration among academic, community, and healthcare entities to enhance research, education, and outreach efforts targeting rural health disparities.
• Workforce Development: Mentor and recruit students and cultivate a skilled cohort of professionals dedicated to rural public health.
• Research Portfolio Expansion: Develop a rural public health research portfolio, focusing on both grant-funded projects and practice-based initiatives, to drive revenue and investments in the program.
• Advisory Role: Serve as a resource for students, faculty, and community members on rural public health topics, degree programs, and pathway opportunities with partner institutions.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as requested by supervisor, Dean, or school leadership.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 2 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Colorado School of Public Health is a collaborative endeavor involving the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). The Colorado School of Public Health is the first and only accredited school of public health in the Rocky Mountain Region, attracting top tier faculty and students from across the country, and providing vital contributions towards ensuring our region's health and wellbeing. Collaboratively formed in 2008 by CU Anschutz, CSU and UNC, the Colorado School of Public Health provides education programs including a Master's concentration in global health, innovative research that places the School in the top 20 in NIH funding among Schools of Public Health, and community service that addresses public health issues including chronic disease, access to healthcare, climate and environmental threats, emerging infectious diseases, population mental health, ONE HEALTH and injuries for Rocky Mountain region, nationally and globally. The School intentionally builds the public health infrastructure toward health equity and the elimination of health disparities for all communities.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Academic rank will be determined during the interview process after discussion between you and the department about your previous experience and academic desires.

Instructor Requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in public health or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in rural health or public health initiatives.
• Experience securing grants or other funding for public health programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to public health issues in rural or underserved communities.

Sr. Instructor Requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant public health experience.
• Proven track record in rural health research or practice and public health funding acquisition.

Assistant Professor Requirements:

• Terminal degree in public health, clinical medicine, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in public health with a focus on rural or underserved communities.
• Demonstrated success in research and obtaining grants.

Associate Professor Requirements:

• Terminal degree with a minimum of 5 years in rural public health.
• Established record in public health research or practice, including grant funding.
• Demonstrated leadership in public health strategy and program implementation.

Full Professor Requirements:

• Terminal degree with a minimum of 5 years in rural public health.
• Extensive research record in rural health or health disparities.
• Record of securing extramural funding.
• Experience in public health education or workforce training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in program administration and managing direct reports.
• Demonstrated leadership in health care and/or public health collaboration, start up, and/or innovation.
• Strong network in rural health sectors and familiarity with the specific challenges facing Colorado's rural or frontier communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse populations.
• Expertise in rural public health education, research, and practice.
• Experience leading funding proposals and adhering to sponsor guidelines.
• Ability to work in academic and community settings.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Travis Leiker, travis.leiker@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until February 24, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

The FTE is 30% (0.3 FTE). As compensation for serving as Program Director the Office of the Dean will provide 30% salary support (up to the education salary cap of $40,000).

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu .

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.