Job Description

Job Description

Rural EMS Programs Manager

Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH)

Basic Job Purpose

The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), Michigan’s State Office of Rural Health, is seeking a highly motivated and uniquely skilled professional to serve as the Rural EMS Programs Manager. This role requires a rare blend of experience: EMS operational expertise, Instructor Coordinator-level training and teaching experience, community paramedicine knowledge, and exceptional project management and communication skills.

This is not a clinical or patient care role. Instead, it is an opportunity to shape rural EMS systems at a statewide level—supporting agencies, strengthening infrastructure, expanding workforce pathways, and advancing quality and operational excellence across Michigan.

The Rural EMS Programs Manager will lead a portfolio of initiatives focused on EMS education, quality improvement, operational enhancements, and recruitment and retention. The Manager will serve as a trusted advisor and technical assistance provider to rural EMS agencies, elevate rural EMS needs within state and national forums, and develop programs that support the long-term sustainability of rural EMS in Michigan.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Director of Programs & Services.

Typical Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to hear and communicate within a normal range.
• Ability to prepare reports and operate computer and phone equipment.

Typical Working Conditions

Hybrid Schedule: One in-office day per week, as a minimum (flexibility considered for exceptional candidates).

Performance Expectations & Core Competencies

• Systems-Level Project Management: Effectively leads multiple statewide initiatives, balancing priorities, meeting deadlines, ensuring follow-through, and proactively seeking support when needed.
• Passion for Rural EMS: Demonstrates deep commitment to improving rural EMS systems, continually working toward—and often exceeding—workplan goals.
• Professional Communication & Relationship Building: Engages with EMS leaders, agencies, state partners, and community stakeholders with professionalism, respect, and clarity.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works cooperatively within MCRH and across external partners to advance shared rural EMS goals.
• Excels at customer service: T reats all people with utmost respect and responsiveness, strengthening relationships and advancing workplans and MCRH Mission.
• Personal drive: Has a passion to meet and exceed objectives in a thoughtful and time-driven manner.
• Commitment to MCRH: Can a lign one’s own behavior, leadership and commitment with the needs, priorities, goals, and culture of MCRH.
• Embraces inclusion: Creates an atmosphere that respects and embraces engagement of all people, ideas, and backgrounds.
• Loves to learn: Able and willing to learn new skills and knowledge and accept new challenges to improve projects.
• Manages multiple projects and tasks: Effectively manages time and resources to respond to needs while continuing to deliver on organizational goals, objectives, and timelines; and seeks help when needed in juggling priorities.
• Personifies teamwork: Demonstrates good collaboration and communication to be effective in any team setting.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continual improvement of EMS continuing education programs, including strategies for program growth.
• Manage a multi-year technical assistance project focused on improving recruitment and retention within seven rural EMS agencies.
• Serve as a statewide rural EMS consultant and subject matter expert—building relationships, providing direct support, and elevating local needs to state partners.
• Facilitate EMS-focused workgroups aimed at operational improvement, quality enhancement, innovation, and systems change.
• Collect, curate, and disseminate rural EMS resources, data, and best practices.
• Represent rural EMS needs within local, state, and national EMS committees, coalitions, and advisory groups.
• Expand EMS leadership development programs and contribute to strengthening the rural EMS workforce pipeline.
• Contribute to MCRH’s grant-writing efforts, helping secure funding to expand and sustain EMS programs statewide.
• Identify innovative, evidence-based solutions to the evolving challenges of rural EMS agencies.
• Provide technical assistance and support to statewide EMS recruitment, retention, quality improvement, and operational initiatives.
• Coordinate and execute EMS-related courses, meetings, events, communication platforms, and data tracking systems.
• Explore and introduce new approaches to strengthen EMS programming, support agency sustainability, and enhance statewide rural EMS performance.

Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of EMS—particularly the operational, workforce, financial, and service delivery challenges faced by rural agencies.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including the ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and drive projects to completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong skills in data compilation, tracking, and report development.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to cultivate collaboration, build trust with partners, and facilitate cross-agency engagement.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (EMS, healthcare, public health, emergency management, etc.) with experience in EMS or healthcare systems.
• EMS training and/or certification is strongly preferred.
• Instructor Coordinator (IC) certification is highly preferred.
• Experience as a Community Paramedic or within community paramedicine programs is strongly valued.
• Previous experience providing education, technical assistance, or program leadership at the organizational or system level is preferred.

Additional Information

Accommodation

MCRH reserves the right to adjust job duties and responsibilities based on organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

MCRH offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

• 92% employer-covered healthcare premium for employees and their families
• 160 hours of paid time off (PTO)
• 8 paid holidays
• Vision and dental benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Hybrid work environment
• Flexible scheduling
• Summer Friday policy supporting work-life balance

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter— including salary expectations —by December 15 th , 2025 to Crystal Barter ([email protected]).

Job Description Review

This description will be reviewed and updated as needed during the annual performance review process.

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