Position Title: PoWER Initiative Lead
Salary: $120,000–$130,000 without a medical degree; $130,000–$150,000 with a medical degree, based on experience, plus benefits
Position End Date: June 30, 2026
Location: Kentucky Department of Public Health (hybrid)

About the CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by fostering collaboration among CDC, private organizations, philanthropies, corporations, and individuals to protect public health in the United States and worldwide. As the only organization authorized by Congress to mobilize private-sector partners and resources for CDC, the Foundation has launched around 1,000 programs and raised more than $740 million since 1995. Last year, it managed over 300 CDC-led programs across the U.S. and in more than 130 countries.

Overview
The CDC Foundation is hiring a mission-focused and highly organized PoWER Initiative Lead to assist the Kentucky Department of Public Health. This leader will oversee the statewide launch, coordination, and ongoing enhancement of Kentucky’s PoWER Teams (People Who Work for Engagement and Resilience), a community-based maternal health model created to address maternity care shortages and improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the state. PoWERing Rural Maternal and Infant Health is one of five new initiatives under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which aims to strengthen rural health access and outcomes.

The PoWER Initiative Lead will join the A3 Transformation Team (Aspire → Activate → Attain), which serves as the operational hub for all RHTP initiatives. The role reports to the A3 Program Director and collaborates closely with the Deputy Program Director. The position is primarily hybrid, requiring 2–3 days per week in the office, and may involve travel throughout the state.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration, health policy, nursing, or a related discipline
• At least seven years of experience in maternal health, perinatal care, or community health programs
• Strong understanding of perinatal care coordination, social determinants of health, and community-based support strategies
• Demonstrated success leading large maternal health initiatives involving multiple agencies and stakeholders
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, including engagement with providers, academic institutions, and community leaders

Preferred Qualifications
• Medical degree with board certification in obstetrics/gynecology, family medicine, or another maternal health specialty
• Experience working with maternal health programs such as community health workers, doulas, home visiting, perinatal care redesign, or telehealth
• Knowledge of maternal health data systems, quality improvement, and perinatal outcome monitoring
• Professional certification in quality improvement or healthcare management (such as CPHQ or PMP)
• Familiarity with Kentucky’s public health landscape, rural communities, and social determinants of health

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Advisory, and Oversight
• Lead the creation of the PoWER initiative’s statewide vision, strategic priorities, and implementation plan in alignment with RHTP and state maternal health objectives
• Convert statewide strategy into a detailed implementation roadmap, identifying major milestones, performance metrics, and long-term sustainability strategies
• Ensure coordination with state and local partners by integrating policy changes, stakeholder input, and new opportunities
• Provide strategic guidance to PoWER programs and recommend improvements to strengthen impact

Statewide Expansion Planning
• Evaluate county and regional readiness for PoWER expansion and address operational needs
• Build and manage relationships with statewide partners and institutions, including the University of Kentucky and local health departments
• Develop the workforce, operational systems, and program infrastructure required to scale PoWER across rural areas

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
• Cultivate key partnerships across state agencies, health systems, local health departments, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, educational institutions, and community organizations
• Lead statewide and regional meetings such as advisory groups, workgroups, provider collaboratives, and multi-stakeholder sessions
• Coordinate cross-sector partners to ensure consistent implementation and shared goals
• Represent the initiative to external partners and funders, addressing challenges, strengthening alignment, and advancing impact

Data, Analytics, and Performance Management
• Develop and oversee PoWER’s performance management system, including OKRs, reporting processes, and monitoring of outcomes
• Use data to guide decision-making, improve program quality, and respond to emerging issues
• Manage reporting workflows and support accountability for statewide objectives
• Provide leadership on data governance and analytics to ensure reliable, high-quality information

Special Notes
This position supports an evolving public health program, and duties may be adjusted as needs change. Any updates to responsibilities will require written approval from both the CDC Foundation and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. The role is currently hybrid, though this may change if needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The CDC Foundation complies with all applicable regulations, including Executive Order 11246 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and takes affirmative action to support protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free workplace.
Relocation expenses are not provided.