Program Lead, Maternal Health Access Project – Center Child Well

Job Description

The Center for Child Well-Being, housed within the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine, seeks a Program Lead to support the Maternal Health Access Project (MHAP).

Department of Psychiatry

The Center for Child Well-Being, housed within the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine, seeks a Program Lead to support the Maternal Health Access Project (MHAP).

The ideal candidate is an experienced program leader with progressive responsibility for developing and implementing large-scale, statewide programs, preferably within complex, multi-million-dollar initiatives. They will bring strong leadership skills, including team building, delegation, professional development, accountability, and the ability to translate strategic priorities into effective program operations.

Excellent communication, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex challenges are essential. This position exercises independent judgment in guiding program implementation and day-to-day operations while ensuring alignment with funding requirements, project goals, and organizational priorities.

The Center for Child Well-Being drives positive change for children and families through innovative programs, collaborative community partnerships, and strategic capacity building. Guided by our mission to improve outcomes for young children and their families, we envision a future where all children have a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Working at the Center means being part of a passionate, collaborative team committed to impact. Staff are supported in their professional growth, empowered to contribute meaningfully, and engaged in work that is purpose-driven and community-centered. Join us in shaping a more responsive and resilient childhood systems landscape across Missouri!

• Serve as Program Lead for the Psychiatric Arm of the Maternal Health Access Project and provide interim leadership for the Cardiometabolic Arm.
• Collaborate closely with the Cardiometabolic Arm Lead, once appointed, to ensure coordination across project arms, alignment of program goals and activities, and effective implementation of the Maternal Health Access Project.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) to translate project goals, funding requirements, and organizational priorities into effective program strategy and implementation.
• Exercise delegated authority for day-to-day program operations and maintain oversight of program activities, deliverables, timelines, and staff.
• Lead strategic planning and implementation to expand program reach, impact, and sustainability. Translate organizational and funding priorities into actionable program goals, strategies, and operational plans, and monitor progress toward established outcomes.
• Monitor program performance using data-informed approaches and adjust strategies as needed to improve program effectiveness and achieve project goals.

• Maintain responsibility for day-to-day program management, including oversight of workflows, service delivery, quality assurance, and operational processes.
• Establish and maintain standardized processes that support effective, consistent, and sustainable program implementation.
• Manage program timelines, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure program activities align with regulatory, contractual, and institutional requirements in collaboration with appropriate Center and University partners.
• Identify operational challenges and develop solutions that support program quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Supervise a team of professional employees, currently 3–6 full-time staff.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and accountability; address performance concerns appropriately; and support professional development and growth.
• Support workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, and team development in collaboration with Center leadership and appropriate University partners.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and establish clear expectations, roles, and accountability within the team.

• Lead the expansion of the Maternal Health Access Project into…