Description
Diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) conditions—also known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome—pose a growing, interconnected public health challenge in the U.S. Roughly 12% of adults have diabetes and 14% have CKD, though most are undiagnosed. CRM conditions affect over 27% of adults nationwide, with Alabama facing a higher burden due to elevated rates of diabetes (14.8%) and related risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and limited access to care. Nearly 90% of U.S. adults are at early stages of CKM, and 13% are in advanced stages, underscoring the need for coordinated, community-based interventions.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is addressing these challenges by improving prevention, care access, and chronic disease management—especially in medically underserved communities. Through partnerships with health systems, primary care teams, and local organizations, ADA implements strategies to address both clinical and social drivers of health.
To advance this work, ADA seeks a Director, Health Access and Quality to lead efforts that improve access and outcomes. Based in Birmingham, AL (or within a 25-mile radius), this role reports to the Senior Director, Health Access and Quality. Experience supporting community health workers, pharmacists, or allied health professionals, especially in chronic care and social service navigation—is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
* Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with health systems, clinics, academic institutions, and community-based organizations in the Birmingham region.
* Convene cross-sector partners to develop and implement community-level initiatives that improve diabetes prevention, care access, and chronic disease outcomes.
* Represent the ADA with credibility and professionalism across healthcare, nonprofit, and public settings.
* Lead and manage projects focused on improving access to care and addressing clinical and social drivers of health.
* Align ADA Standards of Care with practical, community-informed solutions and local advocacy strategies.
* Identify, engage, and support the role of community health workers, pharmacists, and allied health professionals in care delivery.
* Monitor and evaluate program performance and impact; ensure timely reporting and continuous improvement.
* Support resource development, proposal writing, and local implementation of ADA-funded initiatives.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in public or allied health, nursing, pharmacy, health administration, or a related field (Master's or other advanced degree preferred).
* Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in healthcare, public health, or community health settings.
* Strong project management skills, with a track record of leading multi-stakeholder initiatives.
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly with diverse community partners.
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
* Established relationships with local clinical institutions and academic centers, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working with or alongside organizations such as:
* Birmingham Health Care
* Jefferson County Department of Health
* Faith Chapel Care Center
* YWCA Central Alabama
* Aletheia House
* Health Action Partnership
* Live HealthSmart Alabama
* Previous professional experience supporting community health workers, pharmacists, or allied health professionals.
* Knowledge of social service systems related to housing, food security, transportation, and behavioral health.
* Familiarity with diabetes or chronic disease prevention and management strategies.
WHY WORK HERE
* Industry competitive base pay ranging from $86,000 - $98,000 for this role. Base offers are determined by several factors including but not limited to your relevant work experience, education, certifications, location, internal pay equity, etc.
* A culture of recognition including new hire welcome announcements, service anniversary awards, referral bonuses, monthly All Employee Assembly, appreciation awards
* Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays, vacation days, personal days and sick days
* Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), disability & life insurance, pet insurance, and retirement savings
* Guided by our mission, we provide top tier diabetes supply coverage through our medical benefits program
* A company focus on offering mental health programs and work/life balance with most of our employees working remote
* Joining our dedicated team affords the gratification of knowing beyond a doubt that you will impact the lives and well-being of millions
Req Number QUA
About the Organization The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a leader in the fight to end diabetes. Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We provide lifesaving education and resources backed by trusted experts to help people learn how to make life with diabetes easier until the day diabetes is gone for good. Through research, the ADA searches relentlessly for a cure and supports the professionals who provide direct care. Our team is on the ground fighting for those with diabetes who suffer discrimination, health inequity, high health care costs and so much more. Employees of the ADA embrace this mission and vision and keep people living with diabetes at the center of everything we do.
EOE Statement It is the policy of the American Diabetes Association to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.