POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Special Projects Manager (SPM) in the Office of Health Services will play a crucial role in managing public health initiatives, with a strong focus on epidemiology, data analysis, grants management, and system improvements. Reporting to the Senior Director of Health Services, the SPM will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of major school health initiatives, managing department grants, establishing partnerships with external organizations to expand access to services such as vision care, asthma management, dental screenings, and professional development for school nurses. The SPM leads system improvement efforts by analyzing student health data, service delivery trends, and program outcomes to inform decision-making and ensure equitable care. In addition, the SPM also leads the coordination and expansion of the Student Nurse Preceptor Program (SNPP), a districtwide partnership with over a dozen colleges and universities that brings nursing students into BPS schools for community-based clinical rotations. The SNPP strengthens school nursing capacity, supports regulatory compliance through detailed protocols and documentation, and fosters the development of a diverse future school nurse workforce. Through streamlined systems, analytics, and relationship-building, the SPM enhances service delivery for students while advancing BPS’s commitment to equitable, community-based health care.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or related field, with a focus on epidemiology, data science/analytics or a related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in public health project management, epidemiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing public health grants and budgets.
• Strong data analysis skills, project management, and grant management experience.
• Proven ability to analyze health data, manage budgets, and collaborate with public health and education partners.
• Commitment to improving public health and promoting health equity in diverse communities.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced work environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, continuous improvement within an urban school system and public health environment.
• Ability to engage in conversations about race, culture, and racial equity, with a strong understanding of health disparities.
• Ability to communicate with families in one of the five (5) major languages of the District , which are Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Cabo Verdean Creole, Vietnamese.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• A deeply held belief in the mission of public health and education.

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• Experience working across various stakeholder groups
• Knowledge of Massachusetts DESE (Dept Elementary & Secondary Education), CDC, and state health protocols and guidelines
• Experience managing large groups through the completion of a project
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, prefer experience within BPS
• Experience working in or with large urban schools/districts
  Terms: Managerial, C52.
  Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under “Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step
  UNION/MANAGERIAL/RESIDENCY REQUIRED: Residency in Boston or willingness to relocate.
  The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work

Public Health Project Management

• Lead public health initiatives with a focus on epidemiological data analysis and system improvement.
• Collaborate with local and state public health agencies, schools, and external partners to execute health programs successfully.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of major school health initiatives in alignment with public health best practices and district priorities
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of internal systems and workflows to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Grant and Budget Oversight

• Manage department grants, including budget tracking, reporting, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Identify and apply for additional funding opportunities that align with departmental priorities.
• Coordinate with external vendors, such as mobile vision providers, to implement grant-funded services

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Responsible for data entry and retrieval of student information from the Aspen Student Information System (SIS) and student electronic health record system (SNAP).
• Follow-up on incoming issues and concerns, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature
• Work with the Health Services team to prepare and facilitate high-quality training, professional development, presentations, collateral materials, and technical assistance resources to support the communication and awareness of policies, processes, and procedures, as well as the recruitment, orientation, and coordination with nursing contract agencies.
• Support quality assurance monitoring of systems, while aiding in the implementation of new initiatives and systems for continuous improvement within Health Services.
• Communicate with parents, outside agencies, BPS departments, non-BPS personnel, etc.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance, administrative support, and issue resolution to Health Services.
• Utilize Google Suite and the district financial management system to facilitate budget management, procurement, and purchasing.
• Assist with development and implementation of project management tools such as work plans, student records management, records tracking, and database management
• Analyze and report on student and nursing support data trends using data analytics tools to inform decision-making and improve health service delivery

Community and University Partnerships

• Develop and manage Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and service contracts with external partners to deliver school-based services including, but not limited to, vision, dental, and asthma screenings.
• Foster collaborative relationships with public health agencies and nonprofit providers to expand student access to care.

Student Nurse Preceptor Program (SNPP)

• Lead the coordination and expansion of the Student Nurse Preceptor Program in partnership with over a dozen nursing schools.
• Manage all aspects of SNPP operations, including placement protocols, MOU compliance, student documentation, and clinical site support.
• Ensure streamlined onboarding processes and maintain an organized filing system for all participating schools and students
• Collaborate with school nurses serving as preceptors to promote professional development and build a sustainable, diverse school nursing workforce.