Program Manager

Virginia AHEC Program Manager

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 11:59pm EST

Position: Virginia AHEC Program Manager

Status: Full-Time, Salaried

Reports To: Director of Workforce Initiatives

Location: Richmond, VA (hybrid – mandatory 3 days in office)

Compensation Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annually

Funding Source: Grant Funded

About VHWDA

The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA) was established in 2010 as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth by the General Assembly. VHWDA plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Commonwealth of Virginia has a skilled and robust healthcare workforce. The VHWDA conducts research to identify gaps and needs in the workforce, collaborates with educational institutions to create programs tailored to these needs, and partners with various stakeholders to implement solutions. By fostering strategic collaborations and implementing solution-focused initiatives, VHWDA aims to ensure Virginians receive quality healthcare through a stable healthcare workforce.

Position Overview

The Virginia AHEC Program Manager serves as a key program leader responsible for implementing and supporting statewide AHEC priorities, initiatives, and partnerships. In collaboration with the Director of Workforce Initiatives, this role ensures that AHEC activities align with VHWDA’s mission and are responsive to regional workforce needs.

Virginia AHEC has eight regional centers across the Commonwealth, hosted at various sites, including community-based hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Free and Charitable Clinics. This position will work with these host sites to ensure that grant objectives are met. 

This position is supported by a federal grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) via the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) grant program. The AHEC grant program was established in 1971. The Commonwealth of Virginia was awarded the AHEC grant in 1991, and VHWDA has been administering the Virginia AHEC grant since 2012. VHWDA will submit for a five-year renewal of Virginia’s AHEC grant in 2027.

Position Responsibilities

1.    Program Administration & Implementation

·     Lead planning, execution, and continuous improvement of Virginia AHEC initiatives, including annual workplans, timelines, deliverables, and documentation.

·     Support statewide consistency in program implementation while honoring regional/community needs and context.

·     Develop tools, templates, and guidance to support AHEC program operations, partner reporting, and quality assurance.

2.    Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

·     Build and maintain partnerships with AHEC centers, health systems, clinics, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and other workforce stakeholders.

·     Serve as a liaison between VHWDA and AHEC partners to facilitate collaboration, shared goals, and program coordination.

·     Represent the Virginia AHEC program at meetings, conferences, and public events; communicate program outcomes and opportunities.

3.    Pipeline Programs & Workforce Pathways

·     Coordinate statewide health careers pipeline strategies (e.g., K-12 and postsecondary exposure, career exploration, mentorship, and pathway programming), in collaboration with regional partners.

·     Strengthen connections between education/training and workforce needs by aligning pipeline programming with regional workforce priorities and employer demand.

4.    Community-Based Training & Learning Experiences

·     Support development and implementation of community-based training experiences that expand access to education and training opportunities and promote service in underserved areas.

·     Coordinate with partners to reduce barriers to participation (e.g., placement logistics, program supports, recruitment strategies).

5.    Data, Evaluation, and Reporting

·     Monitor performance metrics; collect and validate partner data; support evaluation efforts and program improvement cycles.

·     Produce regular internal and external reports on program activities, outputs, and outcomes, including required grant and stakeholder reporting.

6.    Grant and Fiscal Support

·     Support grant administration and compliance (state and/or federal), including documentation, allowable costs, and reporting requirements.

·     Assist with budget tracking, reimbursements (as applicable), and ensure timely partner reporting.

7.    Other Duties

·     Contribute to strategic planning, program expansion, and identification of new funding or partnership opportunities that advance Virginia AHEC priorities.

·     Perform other duties as assigned to support VHWDA’s programs and statewide workforce goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health care, public health, social sciences, education, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in program management, workforce development, education, public health, community engagement, or related roles.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, prioritize competing demands, follow projects through to completion, show initiative, and maintain confidentiality and high ethical standards.
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships across diverse stakeholders and settings.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license and access to an operational vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

·     Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Health Policy, or a closely related field.

·     Prior experience administering or reporting outcomes for federal grants.

·     Previous experience working with AHEC programs or State offices of rural health.

·     Prior experience with HubSpot or another CRM software.

Work Environment & Travel

·     Minimum 3 days in the office.

·     Occasional travel around Virginia to visit host-sites.

·     Occasional travel to national AHEC events.

Compensation & Benefits

·     $80,000–$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience

·     VHWDA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a participatory retirement plan.

Application Process

• Email your cover letter, resume, and a reference list to employment@vhwda.org. For your reference list, please provide contact details for three professional references, including one former or current supervisor (name, title, relationship, email, and phone number). Applicants will be notified before references are contacted. Application deadline Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 11:59pm EST.