Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Director (HCA/OOS #10118924)

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is a state agency that provides comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality health care services to New Mexico residents. The agency is responsible for managing key services such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and LIHEAP, ensuring uninterrupted support and care for New Mexicans.

Our Vision

Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.

Our Mission

We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.

Our Goals

Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.

Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.

Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.

Build the best team in state government by supporting employees' continuous growth and wellness.

Why does the job exist?

The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Director will:

Lead executive responsible for strategic oversight, governance, and implementation leadership of the New Mexico Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program;

Provide executive-level direction, cross-agency coordination, operational oversight, and decision-making support across the State's five RHT initiatives (1. Healthy Horizons 2. Rooted in New Mexico 3. Rural Health Innovation Fund 4. Bridge to Resilience and 5. Rural Health Data Hub) and associated contractors, sub-recipients, and implementation partners.

How does it get done?

The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program Director is responsible for:

Providing executive leadership and oversight for implementation of the State's Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program and related initiatives;

Ensuring alignment with CMS requirements, State priorities, funding timelines, stakeholder engagement objectives, and long-term sustainability goals while supporting effective implementation of the RHT governance structure;

Directing strategic planning, operations, and cross-functional coordination across the RHT Project Management Office (PMO), contractors, sub-recipients, providers, state agencies, Tribal partners, and external stakeholders;

Overseeing implementation progress, governance, funding use, stakeholder engagement, compliance, risk management, and program performance across the RHT portfolio;

Supporting executive decision-making, issue escalation, and alignment with CMS requirements, State priorities, approved budgets, and program timelines;

Coordinating with PMO leadership and initiative managers to support integrated implementation across the State's five RHT initiatives;

Developing executive briefings, reports, presentations, stakeholder materials, and strategic planning documents for HCA leadership, CMS, legislative stakeholders, and external partners;

Supporting long-term sustainability planning, program governance, and implementation strategy for the RHT Program.

Who are the customers?

Work is performed for the Health Care Authority (HCA), rural providers and health systems, tribal communities, community organizations, state and federal partners, program contractors, stakeholders, and the public to support implementation and oversight of New Mexico's Rural Health Transformation Program.

Ideal Candidate

Work is performed for the Health Care Authority (HCA), rural providers and health systems, tribal communities, community organizations, state and federal partners, program contractors, stakeholders, and the public to support implementation and oversight of New Mexico's Rural Health Transformation Program.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling fourteen (14) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive computer, virtual meeting, and phone usage. Position may require in-state travel, attendance at stakeholder meetings and public events, and coordination across multiple agencies and external partners.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Michelle Lucero, (505) 487-3642. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.