HOPE Program Director

The HOPE (Healthcare Opportunities Powering Excellence) Program Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the HOPE for Rural Health initiative, a grant-funded program designed to expand nursing career pathways and address critical healthcare workforce shortages across Northwest Tennessee. This position is responsible for managing program operations, building and sustaining partnerships, and ensuring the successful implementation of educational and workforce initiatives across secondary, technical, and university levels. The Director will oversee all aspects of the program, including the development of articulation agreements, dual enrollment opportunities, and the coordination of structured work-based learning experiences for students in grades 8–12. The role involves close collaboration with K-12 school districts, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), university faculty and staff, and regional healthcare providers to create seamless pathways leading from high school through TCAT programs into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at UT Martin. Key responsibilities include supervising mentorship and career exploration initiatives such as the Healthcare Discovery Mentorship Program, managing site visits and hands-on workshops, and ensuring alignment of academic preparation with healthcare workforce needs. The Director will also monitor program outcomes—including student enrollment, retention, and clinical placement rates—and provide regular reporting to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and other stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, along with a commitment to rural student success and healthcare workforce development. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the HOPE Program Director plays a central role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening the rural health pipeline in Northwest Tennessee. This is a grant-funded position and continuation of employment is dependent upon grant funding.

• Develop and oversee a structured mentorship program for 8th–12th grade students.
• Recruit, train, and support mentors in partnership with K–12 schools, industry, and higher education.
• Coordinate school visits, career panels, and networking events to expose students to healthcare professions.
• Organize and manage student site visits, job shadowing, and volunteer opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with the K–12 Partnership Coordinator to align activities with grant goals and program needs.
• Collaborate with the PI, Co-PI, K–12 Partnership Coordinator, and University Relations to develop and distribute advertising and marketing materials.
• Regularly communicate with youth participants, their parents, and educators to support engagement and program success.
• Assist with program assessment, evaluation, and reporting as required.
• Extensive travel throughout West TN, including our partner districts: Henderson, Lauderdale, McNairy, and Decatur County Schools, is required. May include evening travel.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in education, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Career & Technical Education, or a relevant field.
• Five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree preferred
• Applicable certification/license may be required.
• Experience managing mentorship or experiential learning programs.
• Understanding of regional workforce development or rural education systems.
• Background in youth development or healthcare education initiatives.

Application Process: Applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter and resume.
Application Deadline: Applicant review will begin immediately and continue until a candidate has been identified.
Minimum hiring rate $50,185.38 annually (Market Range MR10). Salary commensurate with education and experience