Deputy Commissioner - Vermont Health Access

Overview

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references upon applying.

The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is seeking a dynamic and adaptable executive to serve as Deputy Commissioner on its leadership team. DVHA administers the Vermont Medicaid publicly funded health plan and the state's health insurance marketplace, Vermont Health Connect. The Department plays a central role in ensuring Vermonters have access to high-quality, cost-effective health coverage and care.

DVHA operates within a unique model as a state-run health plan, while also supporting broader Medicaid program functions that extend across multiple departments within Agency of Human Services (AHS). As the health care landscape continues to evolve, DVHA is focused on strengthening access, affordability, system stability, and performance.

The Deputy Commissioner is one of the three executives who report to the Commissioner and is a key component of DVHA's leadership team which is comprised of the three executives, General Counsel, Medical Director, Financial Director, Administrative Director, and Communications Director.  The three executives oversee the following portfolios: Eligibility and Enrollment; Managed Care; Performance and Operations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As part of our values of transparency, integrity, and service, we are committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as part of our person-centered culture. We actively celebrate our colleagues' and future colleagues' different abilities, racial identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported here.

Why Join DVHA?
At DVHA, your work directly impacts the health and well-being of Vermonters. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven organization committed to innovation, equity, and continuous improvement --where your leadership will help shape the future of Medicaid in Vermont.

The statutory salary range for this position is $120,189 to $180,284. Starting salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

Description

The Deputy Commissioner serves as a senior executive leader within DVHA and is responsible for advancing the mission and priorities of the Department in partnership with the Commissioner and leadership team. This role provides strategic direction, executive oversight, and cross-functional leadership across key areas of the Department’s work.

The Deputy Commissioner will help guide DVHA through a period of continued transformation, including federal policy changes, system modernization efforts, and ongoing efforts to improve the performance of Vermont’s health care system. The position requires the ability to lead complex initiatives, align work across organizational boundaries, and ensure that departmental efforts contribute to broader Agency and State goals.

They will be responsible for overseeing major functional areas within DVHA, leading enterprise or cross-departmental initiatives, and supporting coordination across the Agency of Human Services and external partners. The specific portfolio of responsibilities will be determined based on organizational needs and may evolve over time. Generally, the portfolio would encompass one of the following three areas:
•    Eligibility and Enrollment: Oversees eligibility determinations and enrollment processes that ensure Vermonters can access and maintain health coverage through Medicaid and the health insurance marketplace.
•    Managed Care Operations: Manages the delivery and payment of health care services for Medicaid members, including provider engagement, clinical oversight, reimbursement, and service delivery.
•    Performance and Operations: Ensures performance improvement while overseeing data, analytics, and information technology systems that support Medicaid operations and decision-making.

The Deputy Commissioner is accountable to the Commissioner and works closely with AHS leadership, the Vermont Legislature, federal partners, Medicaid members, providers, and other stakeholders. The role may include representing the Department in meetings, providing input on policy and strategy, and supporting legislative and public communications.

This position requires a collaborative leader who can operate effectively in a dynamic environment, navigate complex policy and operational challenges, and communicate clearly with a wide range of audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Execution
•    Partner with the Commissioner and senior leadership team to advance DVHA’s strategic priorities
•    Lead and implement high-impact initiatives that span multiple functional areas or departments
•    Translate strategic direction into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
 
Cross-Functional and Cross-Agency Coordination
•    Align work across DVHA units and support coordination with AHS departments and external partners
•    Facilitate integration of policy, operations, systems, and performance efforts across the Medicaid program
 
Program and Operational Oversight
•    Provide executive oversight for assigned functions, programs, or initiatives
•    Ensure accountability for performance, compliance, and outcomes
•    Identify risks and opportunities and implement solutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency
•    Collaborate with insurers, providers, other state agencies/departments and members to support implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of benefits, delivery systems, and quality standards
•    Provide oversight of procurements and contractual agreements related to portfolio
 
Organizational Leadership
•    Contribute to a cohesive, high-performing leadership team
•    Support workforce engagement, development, and organizational resilience
•    Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
 
External Engagement and Representation
•    Represent DVHA in interactions with stakeholders, legislators, and federal partners
•    Support legislative testimony, communications, and public-facing efforts as needed

Who May Apply

This position, Deputy Commissioner - Vermont Health Access (Job Requisition #54852), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact dashawn.groves@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting but some travel may be anticipated for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of regular business hours may be required. Contact with people with strong opinions will be encountered for which tact and diplomacy will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, health policy, public health, law, business, or a related field
•    Significant professional experience in health care, human services, public administration, or a related field
•    Demonstrated experience in a leadership or management role

Preferred Qualifications

•    Advanced degree (e.g., MPH, MPA, JD, DrPH, MBA, or similar)
•    Experience working with Medicaid, health policy, or publicly funded health programs
•    Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives
•    Experience working within or alongside government systems, particularly in health or human services
•    Strong understanding of policy, operational, and system-level challenges in health care
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.

AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, pursuant to 20 V.S.A. 2056c or other applicable statutory authority, requires criminal record checks for all AHS positions, including motor vehicle driving record checks and national record checks where appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Employer