Director of Programs & Initiatives

Acentra Health exists to empower better health outcomes through technology, services, and clinical expertise. Our mission is to innovate health solutions that deliver maximum value and impact.

Lead the Way is our rallying cry at Acentra Health. Think of it as an open invitation to embrace the mission of the company; to actively engage in problem-solving; and to take ownership of your work every day. Acentra Health offers you unparalleled opportunities. In fact, you have all you need to take charge of your career and accelerate better outcomes - making this a great time to join our team of passionate individuals dedicated to being a vital partner for health solutions in the public sector.

Acentra Health is looking for a Director of Programs & Initiatives to join our growing team.

Job Summary:

The Director of Programs and Initiatives will serve as a strategic execution leader within the Government & Corporate Affairs office, supporting a broad and high-impact portfolio that includes government relations, health policy, thought leadership, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), client engagement forums, advisory boards, and enterprise conferences. This role is designed to expand leadership capacity, drive disciplined program execution, and ensure alignment across enterprise functions.

Responsibilities:

Program Execution & Coordination

• Lead coordinated execution of enterprise initiatives and identified growth areas within Acentra Health's portfolio, ensuring alignment, progress, and measurable outcomes to ensure initiatives are on track, connected to enterprise goals, and provide consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align priorities and resolve execution barriers

CRM & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner to implement and sustain a disciplined CRM process for external engagements
• Ensure all stakeholder interactions-including client forums, advisory boards, and government meetings-are tracked, followed up on, and leveraged for strategic impact
• Maintain a centralized repository of stakeholder commitments, action items, and engagement outcomes
• Support proactive stakeholder engagement by coordinating with internal leaders to prepare for meetings, develop briefing materials, and capture feedback that informs enterprise priorities
• Use CRM analytics and engagement insights to identify emerging opportunities, measure effectiveness of outreach, and recommend improvements to strengthen relationships and visibility
• Collaborate enterprise-wide to strengthen Acentra Health's external presence through coordinated participation in forums, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities

Enterprise Alignment

• Collaborate with EVP-level functions and VP/Director-level peers across the organization to ensure consistent execution standards
• Facilitate cross-enterprise collaboration and communication to support shared goals and initiatives
• Partner with Marketing and Communications to align external presence - including conferences, advisory boards, and publications with Acentra Health's enterprise priorities and thought leadership themes
• Represent the Government & Corporate Affairs office in enterprise-wide planning and coordination forums

Organizational Leverage

• Provide strategic bandwidth for senior leaders by managing internal priorities with rigor and accountability
• Translate high-level strategic objectives into actionable plans and ensure timely execution
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of the Government & Corporate Affairs function
• Lead or support quality-improvement and operational-efficiency initiatives that strengthen coordination, consistency, and enterprise impact
• Translate policy and political insights into actionable information that informs enterprise strategies, marketing, and engagement priorities
• Read, understand, and adhere to all corporate policies including policies related to HIPAA and its Privacy and Security Rules

The list of accountabilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other education- and experience-related duties that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Business Administration or related field preferred
• 10+ years' experience in government operations, program management, or corporate strategy, preferably within or in partnership with federal, state, or local government agencies
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives that improve performance, quality, or operational efficiency in large organizations - including government or public-sector environments
• Strong understanding of government processes, health and human services programs, and intergovernmental coordination, with the ability to translate policy into operational outcomes
• Experience analyzing complex and evolving Medicaid and public health policies, including identifying and tracking program trends, legislative updates, and industry developments that inform organizational priorities
• Depth of knowledge in key Medicaid policy areas, such as waivers and demonstrations, eligibility and enrollment systems, and other program modernization efforts
• Experience implementing or managing CRM frameworks (systems, processes, and engagement tracking) to enhance relationship management, accountability, and data-driven decision-making
• Exceptional writing, facilitation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate across senior leadership and diverse teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy
• PMP or similar project management coursework and/or certification
• Experience in healthcare, government, or corporate affairs
• Strategic thinker with a bias for execution and continuous improvement
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments

Why us?

We are a team of experienced and caring leaders, clinicians, pioneering technologists, and industry professionals who come together to redefine expectations for the healthcare industry. State and federal healthcare agencies, providers, and employers turn to us as their vital partner to ensure better healthcare and improve health outcomes.

We do this through our people.

You will have meaningful work that genuinely improves people's lives across the country. We are a company that cares about our employees, and we give you the tools and encouragement you need to achieve the finest work of your career.

Benefits

Benefits are a key component of your rewards package. Our benefits are designed to provide you with additional protection, security, and support for both your career and your life away from work. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, retirement savings, corporate wellness, educational assistance, corporate discounts, and more.

Thank You!

We know your time is valuable and we thank you for applying for this position. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those who are chosen to advance in our interview process will be contacted. We sincerely appreciate your interest in Acentra Health and invite you to apply to future openings that may be of interest. Best of luck in your search!

~ The Acentra Health Talent Acquisition Team

Visit us at Acentra.com/careers/

EEO AA M/F/Vet/Disability

Acentra Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Compensation

The pay for this position is listed below.

"Based on our compensation philosophy, an applicant's position placement in the pay range will depend on various considerations, such as years of applicable experience and skill level."