Behavioral Health Policy & Program Manager

Role: Behavioral Health Policy & Program Manager

Location: Providence, RI-Hybrid

Duration: 5 Years Contract

Hours/week: 35

Position Overview

IRG Clients is seeking Program Manager to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide children's and youth behavioral health initiatives.

The selected candidate will work closely with executive leadership, state and community partners, behavioral health providers, and other stakeholders to move strategic initiatives from policy development through implementation and ongoing improvement.

This position is ideal for a public-sector professional with strong experience in program management, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-agency coordination who can effectively balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of children's and youth behavioral health programs and initiatives.
• Manage assigned initiatives from planning through implementation, including work plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, risks, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with government agencies, community organizations, service providers, families, and other partners to support successful program implementation.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with contracted providers and community-based organizations.
• Research, develop, and implement policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and program documentation.
• Review and analyze federal and state policy or regulatory changes and assess their potential impact on programs and services.
• Provide recommendations and implementation support to leadership based on research, data, stakeholder feedback, and program needs.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of grants, contracts, strategic initiatives, and program improvement activities.
• Coordinate cross-sector and interagency efforts to improve access, coordination, and delivery of behavioral health services.
• Facilitate meetings, working groups, and stakeholder discussions and ensure follow-up on action items and deliverables.
• Prepare professional reports, policy documents, presentations, procurement materials, and other written deliverables.
• Track project progress, identify risks or barriers, and develop recommendations to keep initiatives on schedule.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by gathering feedback from providers, families, youth, and other stakeholders.
• Incorporate principles such as family-driven, youth-guided, community-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices into program development and implementation.
• Manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while working independently and exercising sound judgment.
• Travel within the state as needed for meetings, stakeholder engagement, and site visits.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related field.
• [3+] years of progressively responsible experience in program management, policy, or system development in health, behavioral health, or human services.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and leading implementation of grants, contracts, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Excellent writing skills, including policy documents, procurements, and reports.
• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives at once with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel within Rhode Island for meetings and site visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal grants, especially SAMHSA or other HHS awards.
• Knowledge of children's behavioral health, the System of Care framework, and child welfare.
• Experience in or with state government, or with Medicaid-funded services.
• Experience leading teams or managing staff.
• Experience engaging families and youth with lived experience in policy and program design.