Rural Health Pathways Manager

Rural Health Pathways Manager

The Kansas City University (KCU) Center for Population Health and Equity (CPHE) is seeking a full-time Rural Health Pathways Manager, based at the KCU Joplin campus. This staff position will collaborate with KCU and CPHE leadership to develop, implement and manage KCU’s Rural Health Pathways program, advancing KCU’s mission to improve health and well‑being in medically underserved small urban and rural communities across the region.

The program is focused on recruiting, training and supporting students who are more likely to establish medical and dental practices in rural areas through partnerships with regional colleges, universities and community health partners.

• Collaborate with KCU’s academic partner colleges and universities to:
  • Manage and coordinate KCU accelerated pathway programs for students interested in rural medicine
  • Develop and participate in health career fairs, rural health education events and other outreach opportunities that introduce high school and college students to KCU and to pathways into KCU-COM and KCU-CDM
  • Plan and support engagement events connecting undergraduate students enrolled in KCU accelerated programs with KCU‑Joplin students, faculty, staff, alumni and programs
  • Serve as a resource and mentor to support program and student academic success
• Regular travel (approximately every two weeks) to KCU’s partner colleges and universities to build/maintain relationships and for other outreach activities
• Serve as the primary representative of the Rural Health Pathways program and the Rural Health Scholars program in the community, promoting awareness, building partnerships and marketing the program to prospective students, alumni and community stakeholders
• Provide ongoing support to students engaged with the Rural Health Pathways program after matriculation at KCU-Joplin to facilitate continued academic success and engagement
• Foster professional development, service learning and community building among all KCU students interested in rural medicine and dentistry
• Collaborate to develop experiential learning opportunities for KCU students interested in practicing rural medicine and dentistry, including building relationships with clinical sites
• Design and monitor performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness for students, KCU and partner institutions; collect, analyze, and report data annually to guide program enhancement
• Serve as a KCU representative in accelerated pathway program student interviews and selection process (when appropriate)
• Aid in submission of grant applications, requests for proposals and other evidence-based practices geared towards programmatic fiscal sustainability
• Contribute to the development of CPHE strategies and goals, ensuring that programs align with KCU’s Mission and Vision
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of the organization

• Other administrative tasks (i.e., filing, preparing documentation)
• Actively participate in team and University meetings
• Primarily office‑based on the KCU‑Joplin campus
• Quarterly travel to KCU‑Kansas City campus

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Education, or related fields;
  Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 3‑5 years of experience in program management, medical education, student services and supporting student success, higher education, higher education admissions, or other relevant fields
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to self‑start projects, work independently with minimal guidance and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships, foster collaboration while working with diverse groups, including students, faculty, community health systems, health care providers and other community members
• Awareness and understanding of rural healthcare issues
• Strong desire to support students in their academic and professional journeys
• Strong desire to improve the health of small urban and rural communities

KCU is committed to…