RHTP Digital Backbone Project Director

Organization: Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA)
Title: Rural Health Transformation Project. Digital Backbone Project Director
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
Reporting Structure: Chief of Operations and Programs
Location: Jefferson City, MO [on-site]

Primary Accountability:

The Project Director is responsible for the overall leadership, oversight, coordination, and successful execution of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Digital Backbone Scope of Work spanning five years. This position provides strategic and operational direction to ensure all Digital Backbone initiatives are implemented in accordance with approved scope, budget, schedule, contractual requirements, State and CMS requirements, and established program objectives.

Major Duties:

• Direct and oversee end-to-end execution of the RHTP Digital Backbone portfolio, including EHR interoperability and modernization, EHR replacement/shared EHR, telehealth implementation and integration, technology and equipment deployment, RPM, Ambient AI, and related digital infrastructure initiatives.
• Translate the approved Scope of Work into actionable implementation plans, milestones, deliverables, performance measures, resource requirements, and accountability structures.
• Provide leadership and oversight of technical resources, vendors, subcontractors, and other implementation partners responsible for Digital Backbone delivery.
• Coordinate closely with RHTO/DSS leadership, Regional Management Entity (HCT) leadership, Rural Health Care Regional Hubs, providers, vendors, and governance bodies to ensure alignment of implementation activities and timely resolution of issues.
• Oversee vendor procurement, objective scoring and implementation activities, contractual deliverables, service-level agreements, performance, invoicing, change management, security protocols and corrective actions.
• Ensure Digital Backbone projects meet applicable interoperability, cybersecurity, data governance, privacy, technical, CMS, and State requirements.
• Maintain oversight of program budgets, expenditures, forecasts, funding requirements, and resource allocation to ensure activities remain within approved funding parameters.
• Establish and maintain portfolio-level project controls for schedule, scope, risks, issues, dependencies, decisions, and escalation.
• Monitor implementation progress and performance against established milestones, adoption measures, utilization measures, deliverables, program outcomes, and provide timely reporting to executive leadership and other stakeholders.
• Identify implementation barriers and cross-project dependencies and lead escalation and resolution of issues that may affect schedule, budget, compliance, provider readiness, or achievement of RHTP objectives.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, reporting, audit readiness, and evidence of successful implementation and performance are maintained throughout the program.
• Support stakeholder communication and coordination to support provider readiness, adoption, workflow integration, training, technical assistance, and sustainable implementation.
• Perform other leadership and program management responsibilities necessary to successfully execute the RHTP Digital Backbone Scope of Work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of IT project management experience within the healthcare field, including at least five years managing large-scale enterprise implementations, preferably within the healthcare sector or state government.
• Demonstrated experience developing and evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and working within federal procurement procedures.
• Working knowledge of healthcare interoperability and system architecture, including HL7, FHIR, APIs, data integration, and data migration processes.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and core healthcare technology platforms, including Electronic Medical Records/Electronic Health Records (EMR/EHR), Practice Management Systems, Revenue Cycle Management systems, and telehealth platforms.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification preferred.
• Strong leadership and executive-level project management skills, including budget development and oversight, vendor management, and contract negotiation involving pricing, licensing models, service-level expectations, and implementation timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear, comprehensive, and unambiguous project and technical requirements.
• Deep knowledge of government procurement processes and IT governance, with an understanding of HIPAA and HITECH compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, in a professional manner that supports the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of MPCA and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in team settings to show flexibility and versatility.
• Ability to learn additional software applications.
• Ability to self-motivate and thrive in a complex and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work with strict confidentiality requirements, as well as utilize good judgment in the preparation and distribution of confidential information.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time.
• Performing physical activities which require considerable use of your arms and legs for moving your entire body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, stooping, and handing of materials.
• Ability to read computer screens, mail, e-mail and talk on the phone.
• Ability to unpack and move supplies up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Ability to drive an automobile and possess a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment:

• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
• Interaction with internal and external customers.
• Job duties will be performed at the Jefferson City, MO location.

Travel:

• Travel will be expected in and outside of Missouri.

Position Duration: This position is established to support the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is currently anticipated to continue for approximately five years. While the organization expects the position to remain in place during that period, employment remains at-will and is subject to funding availability, program continuation, organizational needs, and applicable law.

Additional Duties: Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.