Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Job Openings

What is the Rural Health Transformation Program?

RHTP is a statewide initiative funded by a federal cooperative agreement to strengthen rural health systems, improve access, and ensure sustainability.

Are these positions permanent?

No, they are term-limited through September 30, 2030, aligned with the federal funding period.

Will I need to travel?

Yes, most roles require some travel within Montana. Travel expectations vary by position (see job postings for details).

Is telework available?

Yes, occasional telework is available with supervisor approval, and full-time remote work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Salary:  $125,000-$131,440

About the Role

As the Program Director for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), you will lead one of the most significant rural health initiatives in Montana’s history. This role sits at the center of a five-year, federally funded effort investing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to strengthen rural health care, improve access, and ensure long-term sustainability for communities across the state.

• Provide overall strategic direction for RHTP, translating federal cooperative agreement terms and state priorities into a clear, actionable work plan for Montana.
• Coordinate across state agencies, health systems, tribal partners, and community organizations to ensure efforts are aligned, data-driven, and responsive to local needs.
• Oversee day-to-day implementation of the program, including timelines, milestones, and key deliverables across the five major initiative areas (workforce, facility sustainability, care models, community health, and technology).

• Supervise a multidisciplinary team that includes program managers, fiscal and grants staff, compliance, communications, and partner liaisons.​
• Work closely with external experts, providers, and stakeholders to co‑design solutions that reflect Montana’s rural realities and tribal priorities.
• Represent RHTP in high-visibility meetings and forums with CMS, legislative partners, health systems, and community leaders.

Salary: $85,000 –95,000

About the Role

As a Program Manager, you will lead one of the five core initiatives at the heart of Montana’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). You will turn a high‑level statewide vision into concrete projects that strengthen rural health care, expand access, and improve outcomes for communities across Montana.

• Own day‑to‑day management of projects in your initiative area, including workplans, timelines, deliverables, and risk tracking.
• Ensure initiatives are implemented in line with CMS cooperative agreement requirements and state priorities, using data and stakeholder input to guide decisions.
• Coordinate closely with CMS, state partners, local providers, and community and tribal stakeholders to keep communication clear and collaborative.
• Supervise assigned staff and contractors, providing direction and support so that work is completed on time and at a high standard.
• Track milestones and performance metrics, develop progress reports, and support budget execution and compliance for your initiative’s activities.
• Help design and manage application and review processes for distributing RHTP funds, ensuring they are transparent, equitable, and aligned with program goals.

Each Program Manager leads within one initiative area: workforce, facility sustainability, innovative care models, community health and prevention, or health technology. This role is term‑limited through Sept. 30, 2030, with telework eligibility and some in‑state travel.

Salary: $65,000-$75,000  

About the Role

As the Grants Manager for RHTP, you will be the central steward of the program’s grants and contracts, ensuring that hundreds of millions in investments are awarded, tracked, and reported accurately. Your work will help rural providers and community partners access funding while staying compliant with state and federal requirements.

• Manage the full lifecycle of RHTP grants and contracts, from development and review of award documents through disbursement and close‑
• Monitor compliance with State of Montana policies, federal regulations, and CMS cooperative agreement terms, flagging issues and recommending solutions.
• Coordinate with subrecipients, vendors, and internal program staff to align scopes of work, budgets, and timelines.
• Provide hands‑on technical assistance to rural hospitals, clinics, and community organizations on grant requirements, documentation standards, and reporting expectations.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems, safeguarding public funds, and helping partners succeed in a complex funding environment. The role is term‑limited through Sept. 30, 2030, with telework eligibility and some travel.

Salary: $75,000-77,000  

About the Role

As the Budget Analyst for RHTP, you will provide the financial backbone for a large, multi‑year transformation program. Your analysis will help leaders make informed decisions about where and how to invest to get the greatest impact for rural communities.

• Support development and management of the overall RHTP budget, including annual planning, revisions, and alignment with CMS requirements.
• Monitor expenditures across multiple initiatives and funding streams, identify variances, and recommend adjustments to keep the program on track.
• Analyze spending trends, utilization, and projections to inform leadership, grantmaking strategies, and sustainability planning.
• Prepare clear financial reports, dashboards, and supporting documentation for state leadership, CMS, and auditors.
• Develop and refine tools for tracking project costs, allocations, and obligations, promoting transparency and fiscal accountability.

 

This role is term‑limited through Sept. 30, 2030, and is telework eligible with supervisor approval; some in‑state travel may be required.

Salary: $71,159

About the Role

The Compliance Officer ensures that the Rural Health Transformation Program’s (RHTP) work is carried out with transparency, federal compliance and adherence to all applicable rules. You will build and oversee a compliance framework that protects the program, its partners, and the rural communities it serves.

• Lead compliance activities related to federal, state, and CMS regulations, grant terms, and cooperative agreement requirements.
• Design and implement internal monitoring systems, policies, and procedures to identify and address compliance risks early.
• Review contracts, reports, and program documentation to ensure consistency with legal and regulatory expectations.
• Conduct risk assessments and prepare or coordinate internal audits, summarizing findings and recommending corrective actions.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to RHTP staff and subrecipients so they understand and can meet compliance obligations.

This term‑limited role runs through Sept. 30, 2030, with telework eligibility and some travel expected.

Salary: $70,992

About the Role

As the Communications Officer, you will help design and lead Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) communication strategies that keep providers, partners, policymakers, and the public informed and engaged.

• Assist in implementing a comprehensive communications plan for RHTP across web, print, presentations, media, and digital channels.
• Create clear, compelling content that explains complex initiatives, data, and results in accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Maintain consistent messaging and visual identity across all RHTP materials, ensuring alignment with program goals and state guidelines.
• Support leadership with presentations, fact sheets, and other materials for meetings, conferences, and legislative briefings.

The position is term‑limited through Sept. 30, 2030, telework eligible with supervisor approval, and may require travel for stakeholder events.

Salary: $81,536

About the Role

The DLI Liaison serves as the bridge between DPHHS and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), aligning health workforce strategies with rural health strategies. Your work will help ensure Montana’s workforce systems and rural health goals move in the same direction.

• Coordinate joint efforts between Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and DLI to recruit, train, and retain health care workers in rural and frontier areas.
• Ensure consistency between RHTP objectives and statewide workforce and economic development initiatives, identifying opportunities for synergy.
• Represent RHTP in interagency workgroups, committees, and meetings, bringing forward rural health perspectives and needs.
• Support data‑sharing agreements and joint reporting, helping both agencies measure progress and refine strategies.

This is a term‑limited position through Sept. 30, 2030, telework eligible with supervisor approval, with some travel to support statewide coordination.