Program Manager, Dental Workforce

We are looking for a Program Manager for Dental Workforce to join our team! This role will partner with the Sr Director of Government Relations and own the implementation of strategies to reduce workforce shortages in the dental professions. The Program Manager will develop partnerships to promote workforce diversity, increase access to oral healthcare, and foster inclusion within the dental profession. This position is located in Seattle, Washington.

At Delta Dental of Washington our vision is that all people can enjoy good oral and overall health, with no one left behind. We succeed because of a shared commitment to a set of values that guide everything we do – for our customers, for our communities, and for each other. We are Accountable. We lean in with Courage. We stay Curious. We are Inclusive. We act with Integrity.

We offer a highly competitive medical, dental and vision plans as well offering an 8% 401k match and all employees start accruing vacation and sick time from their very first day. We empower employee development through our tuition reimbursement plan, professional development plans, and employee-led communities.

The pay range for this position varies between $81,900.00 – $116,550.00. Washington Dental Service and its affiliates, including Delta Dental of Washington and Arcora Foundation, intends to offer the selected candidate a base pay within this range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience. Base pay will also be adjusted based on the candidate's geographic location.

Essential Responsibilities include the following: The list of responsibilities listed is not intended to be comprehensive. Washington Dental Service and its affiliates, including Delta Dental of Washington and Arcora Foundation reserve the right to change the responsibilities at any time with or without notice.

• Lead the expansion of four hygiene programs or launch of dental hygiene programs, particularly those that reduce barriers to entry for historically underrepresented groups.
• Engage with partners, including dental associations, community and technical colleges, and workforce organizations, to implement workforce strategies.
• Attend dental professional association conferences and establish relationships with leaders working on workforce shortage and diversity efforts.
• Challenge established processes with innovative thinking.
• Lead the dental professional pathway program, managing relationships with schools, youth programs, and internal teams to deliver training events. Supervise contractors and volunteers to achieve program objectives.
• Create innovative programs to positively impact dental workforce shortages.
• Collaborate with the policy staff to develop workforce strategies and policies aligned with long-term business and mission goals.
• Implement a Hygiene Workforce Sustainability Initiative for hygienists and dental assistants to remain motivated to thrive in their profession
• Develop a “train the trainer” program for contractors and volunteers to lead the pathway program.

Experience, skills, and education do you need to have to succeed in the position: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position

• Experience in program or project management, including timeline development, task management, and adapting to changing environments. Prior experience leading and supervising a team of contractors, volunteers or employees, preferred.
• Proven track record to manage complex partnerships and multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Strong research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide strategic recommendations and drive actions.
• Spanish language abilities are a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and the drive to empower partners through various channels.
• Subject matter expertise in diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of barriers faced by underrepresented populations. Strong cultural humility/DEI/anti-racism training or lived experience, enabling engagement and trust-building with BIPOC dental professionals and communities.
• Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse teams, fostering a culture of allyship and inclusivity.
• Dental professional training (any level) or 5+ years of experience working within a dental clinic or practice in a non-clinical capacity.

Washington Dental Service and its affiliates, including Delta Dental of Washington and Arcora Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)