The Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE) seek an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director. This role offers the opportunity to advance diabetes prevention and education, improve public health, and expand the impact of evidence-based programs across Virginia. The Director will lead a nationally recognized center, overseeing grants, training programs, and technical assistance initiatives that support healthcare, community, and public health organizations. The ideal candidate has expertise in diabetes and/or obesity, a passion for education and prevention, and a proven record of securing and managing grant-funded programs at the intersection of clinical care, public health, and medical education.
- Provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for all VCDPE programs and initiatives.
- Oversee grants, technical assistance, and training for organizations delivering evidence-based diabetes education and prevention programs.
- Manage a diverse portfolio of projects that create effective educational experiences for multiple audiences, including health professionals, community health workers and Lifestyle Coaches.
- Bring demonstrated mastery in diabetes or obesity, evidenced by an advanced degree and significant relevant experience.
- Maintain an active role in select grant-funded program activities, training delivery, and technical assistance while providing overall strategic and operational leadership for the Center.
ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Programmatic Leadership- Serve as the primary representative of VCDPE with federal agencies, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and national partners.
- Plan, implement, direct, and grow programs to expand revenue and participation across online, on-grounds, and community platforms.
- Lead program planning, budgeting and evaluation activities.
- Oversee the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) Lifestyle Coach and Advanced Training portfolio as a CDC National DPP Training Entity.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
Grants & Funding- Develop strategic opportunities to expand revenue streams, partnerships, and program reach.
- Identify, secure, and manage grant funding from federal, state, foundation, and other external sources.
- Write and oversee grants, cooperative agreements, and funding proposals, championing implementation and successful completion.
- Direct implementation of grant-funded programs, ensuring compliance, timely reporting, and achievement of objectives.
Training & Technical Assistance- Oversee a CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program Training Entity including data collection and reporting.
- Develop, implement, and lead new training programs and educational offerings.
- Oversee delivery of technical assistance and professional training for organizations implementing evidence-based diabetes prevention and self-management education programs.
- Educate UVA medical students, residents, fellows, and allied health professionals on behavior change, lifestyle medicine, diabetes prevention, and diabetes management.
Partnerships & Outreach- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and expand the Center's reach and impact.
- Network with regional and national academic and government institutions to develop and leverage programs and activities.
- Oversee marketing and promotional campaigns to reach revenue and enrollment targets.
Operations & Evaluation- Exercise responsibility and accountability for program quality, enrollment growth, and financial sustainability.
- Oversee implementation of programs, academic services, and contractual relationships with regional entities.
- Supervise, mentor, and support staff, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
Minimum Qualifications- Education: Master's degree required.
- Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including clinical experience in diabetes/obesity metabolism; 2+ years of formal managerial experience required.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with grant writing and implementation
- 2+ years in program management (project workflow and budgets)
- 2+ years in public health
- 2+ years with the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP)
- 2+ years with the Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support (DSMES) program
- Master Trainer status with the National DPP
- CDCES licensure preferred
Physical DemandsThis is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary Range - The anticipated hiring range is $76,500 - $125,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location- This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
- This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
- This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule with weekly in-person presence required and additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.
About UVA and the CommunityTo learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application TimelineApplication review will begin September 8, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
Additional Requirements - Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
- This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply Please apply
online , by searching for requisition number R[redacted]. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application with the following documents:
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Reference Check Process Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact- For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, [email protected].
