Rural Health Specialist

Company: Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Location: Lansing
Posted on: February 27, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Summary The Rural Health Specialist supports rural hospitals in successfully participating in the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program and related funding initiatives. This position plays a central role in helping rural hospitals access available transformation funding, implement program requirements, and ensure accurate data collection, performance measurement, and reporting to the state. Working within the state hospital association, the Specialist provides hands-on technical assistance, program coordination, and policy guidance to rural hospitals to strengthen financial sustainability, maintain access to essential services, and advance care delivery transformation. This position serves as a bridge between rural hospitals, state agencies, and program administrators to ensure hospitals can fully utilize available resources while meeting all program expectations and compliance requirements. Primary Responsibilities Direct Support to Rural Hospitals Assist rural hospitals in identifying, accessing, and maximizing available Rural Health Transformation Program funding and related state and federal funding opportunities. Provide guidance on allowable uses of funds, program eligibility requirements, and implementation expectations. Support hospitals in developing strategies aligned with program goals and funding parameters. Help hospitals navigate application processes, implementation milestones, and funding documentation requirements. Monitor funding timelines and communicate upcoming opportunities, deadlines, and requirements to participating hospitals. Technical Assistance & Program Implementation Provide direct technical assistance to rural hospitals participating in initiatives. Support hospitals in operationalizing program activities, including service redesign, workforce initiatives, behavioral health integration, and care coordination models. Facilitate learning collaboratives, technical assistance sessions, and peer sharing opportunities among rural hospitals. Identify implementation challenges and coordinate solutions with association leadership and state partners. Data Collection, Metrics & State Reporting Provide technical assistance to hospitals to ensure accurate collection, tracking, and submission of required program data and performance metrics. Help hospitals understand reporting expectations, performance measures, and evaluation frameworks established by the state. Develop tools, templates, and guidance documents that support standardized reporting practices. Monitor hospital reporting progress and assist hospitals in resolving data submission or compliance issues. Support aggregation and analysis of statewide program data to demonstrate impact and outcomes. Policy Analysis & Guidance Translate state and federal policy requirements into clear operational guidance for rural hospitals. Monitor regulatory and policy developments affecting rural transformation funding and program participation. Prepare summaries, briefings, and educational materials for hospital leaders and association stakeholders. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration, public policy, health services research, or related field. Minimum 3–5 years of experience in health care program administration, hospital operations, rural health, or health policy. Experience providing technical assistance or project coordination support. Demonstrated ability to work with data reporting systems, performance metrics, or grant/program reporting requirements. Strong organizational and project management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree Experience working with hospitals or provider associations. Familiarity with CMS models or grant-funded initiatives. Knowledge of rural hospital finance, quality reporting, or value-based care programs. Experience supporting compliance reporting or performance measurement initiatives. This is a hybrid position requiring in office Tuesday-Thursday, but flexible if needed. Some travel instate is required; overnight is possible. Position range is $76-114k.

Keywords: Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Sterling Heights , Rural Health Specialist, Administration, Clerical , Lansing, Michigan