[Hiring] Implementation Manager @University of Tennessee

Role Description

The Implementation Manager provides day-to-day operational leadership for Tennessee Kinship Connect, Tennessee's replication of the evidence-based Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program (OhioKAN). Reporting to the Applied Research Manager, the position leads the six-month Planning Phase and 30-month Implementation Phase; coordinates SWORPS, DCS, Kinnect, kinship caregivers, implementation sites, and community partners; and ensures approved plans, workforce supports, fidelity monitoring, performance reporting, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability activities are completed on time. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Responsibilities

• Project and Grant Implementation:
  • Develop, manage, and control the integrated work plan, milestones, risks, and deliverables for the Planning and Implementation Phases.
  • Lead the development, review, and submission of planning documentation to secure Children’s Bureau approval; manage revisions through approval.
  • Manage day-to-day operations across selected sites and ensure alignment with the NOFO, award terms, and approved narrative.
  • Own the performance reporting cycle; set timelines, validate inputs, and deliver accurate semiannual reports and other Children's Bureau requests.
• Partnerships, Governance, and Site Readiness:
  • Lead cross-partner implementation coordination; align stakeholders on deliverables, timelines, and decision points, and negotiate resolution of conflicts.
  • Establish governance and communication processes; coordinate meetings, workgroups, and shared-learning activities.
  • Support site selection, organizational readiness assessments, and execution/maintenance of at least 10 partnership agreements or MOUs.
  • Strengthen referral pathways and cross-system coordination while incorporating caregiver and stakeholder feedback.
• Workforce, Operations, and Technology:
  • Implement and manage coaching/supervision support processes; monitor participation and address readiness gaps for Navigators.
  • Lead development and maintenance of the Tennessee Kinship Connect Program Manual, eligibility criteria, referral workflows, and service protocols.
  • Coordinate technology-supported referral, case documentation, data, and communication infrastructure.
  • Monitor workforce readiness and arrange technical assistance with Kinnect and Children's Bureau providers.
• Fidelity, Performance, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):
  • Partner with the Evaluator and Kinnect to operationalize fidelity tools, document approved adaptations, and monitor service delivery.
  • Track implementation benchmarks, enrollment, service utilization, follow-up, partner engagement, and milestone achievement.
  • Chair quarterly CQI reviews; develop corrective action plans, assign owners and deadlines, and drive closure with documented outcomes.
  • Escalate implementation barriers and monitor completion of improvement actions.
• Sustainability, Communication, and Dissemination:
  • Lead sustainability planning and integration efforts; develop the sustainability road map and drive execution of assigned work streams with Tennessee's child welfare and kinship-support infrastructure.
  • Prepare implementation briefings, manuals, lessons learned, presentations, and dissemination products for varied audiences.
  • Support required meetings, site visits, outreach activities, and future replication or expansion planning.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in social work, public administration, public health, human services, education, organizational leadership, or related field.
  • At least three years of progressively responsible experience managing complex human-services, child-welfare, prevention, or evidence-based program implementation, including multi-agency coordination, work plan management, and performance reporting.
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of child welfare, kinship care, evidence-based program replication, implementation science, and fidelity concepts.
  • Knowledge of federal grant deliverables, performance reporting, partnership agreements, and CQI principles.
  • Skill in project management, workplan and risk management, facilitation, documentation, and cross-agency communication.
  • Skill in translating program models and data into practical workflows, training supports, and corrective actions.
  • Ability to coordinate with diverse partners and caregivers, manage competing deadlines, and lead work across multiple sites.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, protect confidential information, and communicate clearly in writing and presentations.

Requirements

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Experience with federal grants; Kinship Navigator or child-welfare initiatives; evidence-based model replication; fidelity, CQI, organizational readiness, workforce development, data systems, and regional or statewide implementation.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Programs, OhioKAN, Tennessee child welfare/Relative Caregiver Program systems, implementation readiness, data dashboards, and sustainability planning; skill in federal grant administration and change management.

Work Location

• This is a remote position. The successful candidate must reside in Tennessee and be able to work remotely from a Tennessee residence.
• Occasional travel throughout Tennessee may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR11
• Anticipated hiring range: $70,000.00

Application Instructions

• Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting.
• Interested individuals should provide the following:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter