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

About the CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation advances the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by bringing together CDC, private organizations, philanthropies, corporations, and individuals to strengthen public health in the United States and around the world. As the only organization authorized by Congress to engage private-sector partners and resources for CDC, the Foundation has launched nearly 1,000 programs and raised over $740 million since 1995. Last year, it oversaw more than 300 CDC-led programs across the U.S. and in over 130 countries.

Overview
The CDC Foundation is seeking a mission-driven and highly organized PoWER Initiative Lead to support the Kentucky Department of Public Health. This individual will direct the statewide launch, coordination, and ongoing improvement of Kentucky’s PoWER Teams (People Who Work for Engagement and Resilience), a community-focused maternal health model designed to address shortages in maternity care and enhance outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals. PoWERing Rural Maternal and Infant Health is one of five new efforts within the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which aims to improve rural healthcare access and results.

The PoWER Initiative Lead will work as part of the A3 Transformation Team (Aspire → Activate → Attain), the operational center for all RHTP initiatives. The role reports to the A3 Program Director and works closely with the Deputy Program Director. This hybrid position requires 2–3 days per week in the office and may involve travel throughout Kentucky.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration, health policy, nursing, or a related field
• Minimum of seven years of experience in maternal health, perinatal care, or community health programs
• Strong knowledge of perinatal care coordination, social determinants of health, and community-based support approaches
• Proven success leading major maternal health initiatives involving multiple agencies and stakeholder groups
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including experience working with healthcare providers, academic institutions, and community leaders

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

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Advisory, and Oversight
• Lead the development of PoWER’s statewide vision, priorities, and implementation strategy in alignment with RHTP and Kentucky’s maternal health goals
• Translate statewide strategy into a detailed implementation plan with key milestones, performance indicators, and long-term sustainability strategies
• Coordinate with state and local partners by incorporating policy updates, stakeholder input, and new opportunities
• Provide strategic direction for PoWER programs and recommend enhancements to improve outcomes

Statewide Expansion Planning
• Assess regional and county readiness for PoWER expansion and address operational requirements
• Establish and maintain partnerships with statewide organizations and institutions, including the University of Kentucky and local health departments
• Build the workforce, operational structures, and program systems needed to expand PoWER across rural communities

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships across state agencies, health systems, local health departments, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, educational institutions, and community groups
• Lead statewide and regional meetings, including advisory committees, workgroups, provider collaboratives, and multi-stakeholder discussions
• Coordinate cross-sector partners to support consistent implementation and shared objectives
• Represent the initiative with external partners and funders, addressing challenges, aligning efforts, and advancing program goals

Data, Analytics, and Performance Management
• Create and oversee PoWER’s performance management system, including OKRs, reporting mechanisms, and outcome monitoring
• Use data to inform decisions, strengthen program quality, and respond to emerging issues
• Manage reporting processes and ensure accountability for statewide goals
• Provide leadership on analytics and data governance to ensure accurate, high-quality information

Special Notes
This role supports a developing public health program, and responsibilities may shift as the program evolves. Any changes must be approved in writing by both the CDC Foundation and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. The position is currently hybrid, but that may change if necessary.

All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected trait. The CDC Foundation complies with all regulations, including Executive Order 11246 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and actively supports protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation maintains a smoke-free workplace.
Relocation support is not available.