Application Guide

How to Apply for Managing Director, Public Health Services Helplines

at Health Resources in Action, Inc.

🏢 About Health Resources in Action, Inc.

Health Resources in Action, Inc. (HRiA) is a mission-driven non-profit uniquely focused on transforming public health systems through policy and practice changes to advance health equity. Unlike traditional public health organizations, HRiA emphasizes reimagining systems to create equitable communities, making it ideal for leaders passionate about systemic change rather than just service delivery.

About This Role

This Managing Director role involves leading a $10M+ portfolio of statewide public health helplines and supervising over 50 staff, requiring both strategic vision-setting for the Public Health Services cluster and hands-on operational management. The position is impactful because it directly shapes how critical public health services reach communities while advancing HRiA's equity-focused mission through large-scale program leadership.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves morning check-ins with senior helpline managers across different states, reviewing contract deliverables and budget reports, strategizing on portfolio growth opportunities, and participating in organizational equity initiatives. You might troubleshoot an operational issue on one helpline while planning a proposal for a new state contract, all while ensuring remote team cohesion across the 50+ staff.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Health Resources in Action, Inc.

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Health Resources in Action, Inc. Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years specifically managing helplines or similar 24/7 public-facing programs (not just general program management)
  • Demonstrates proven success securing and managing federal/state contracts of $5M+ scale, with understanding of government contracting processes
  • Possesses experience building cohesive teams of 50+ staff in remote/distributed environments while mentoring senior leaders
  • Combines public health expertise with business acumen for portfolio growth and budget management of complex programs

📝 Tips for Applying to Health Resources in Action, Inc.

1

Quantify your helpline management experience: specify call volumes, staff sizes, budgets, and contract values you've managed

2

Highlight specific federal/state contracts you've secured or managed (name agencies like CDC, SAMHSA, or state health departments)

3

Demonstrate understanding of HRiA's equity focus by describing how you've incorporated equity into helpline operations or program design

4

Show remote leadership experience: describe how you've built team cohesion and managed performance in distributed teams

5

Tailor your resume to show progression in helpline/similar program leadership over 10+ years, not just general management roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your philosophy on leading helplines as public health interventions that advance equity (align with HRiA's mission)", 'Specific examples of securing/managing large government contracts and growing program portfolios', 'Experience building and mentoring senior leadership teams in remote environments', 'How your approach to helpline management transforms systems rather than just delivers services']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → HRiA's current helpline projects (like Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline) and their approach to equity in service delivery
  • → The organization's recent publications or projects focused on systems transformation in public health
  • → HRiA's leadership team and their backgrounds to understand organizational culture and priorities
  • → Government agencies HRiA partners with (like state health departments) to understand their contracting landscape
Visit Health Resources in Action, Inc.'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you operationalize HRiA's equity vision across multiple statewide helplines with different communities?
2 Describe your experience managing the financial aspects of a $10M+ portfolio with multiple funding streams
3 How have you handled crisis situations in 24/7 helpline operations while maintaining staff well-being?
4 What strategies would you use to grow the helpline portfolio while maintaining service quality?
5 How do you balance hands-on management of senior leaders with strategic vision-setting for the cluster?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on clinical/behavioral health expertise without demonstrating large-scale program leadership experience
  • Presenting generic management experience without specific helpline or similar 24/7 program examples
  • Failing to address equity in application materials when it's central to HRiA's mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Health Resources in Action, Inc.!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →