Medicaid Strategic Initiatives Manager

As a division of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Iowa Medicaid insures more than 700,000 Iowans, operating with a budget of nearly $7 billion. Reporting directly to the Iowa Medicaid Director, the Strategic Initiatives Manager is an important member of the Iowa Medicaid Leadership Team.
 
 In year two of a significant agency consolidation, Iowa HHS is a lifespan services agency and the State’s largest in both budget and number of employees. This new system design positions Medicaid in a cornerstone role beyond its foundational capacity as a major insurer in the state, to drive key population health outcomes and significant impacts to rural healthcare access, maternal health, and behavioral health system design. Iowa Medicaid is leading significant transformational efforts, including the launch of a redesigned home and community-based services waiver structure, a new service array for children and a co-designed model to launch Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC).
 
The Medicaid Strategic Initiatives Manager leads the development, execution, and oversight of key strategic projects that support the performance and compliance of the Medicaid program. This role works cross-functionally with internal departments and external stakeholders (including state agencies and community organizations) to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure alignment with state and federal Medicaid requirements. Experience with Medicaid or healthcare is preferred but not required. Successful candidates will demonstrate strength in leading multiple complex initiatives at once, while providing direction to supportive functions.

The Medicaid Division is working to align with broader HHS agency goals and objectives, support shared services in broader HHS agency and define repeatable processes with shared service functions and sister program areas.
 
 Iowa HHS main office is in the heart of downtown Des Moines, a mid-size city, with low cost of living, wonderful access to entertainment, and nestled within range of larger metro areas. Perfect for raising a family, Iowa is a welcoming state where you can enjoy small-town living, with all the benefits of a major city (but without the traffic). The State of Iowa offers a robust benefit package; salary commensurate with experience and moving expenses may be reimbursed, as part of a larger recruitment offering.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a

comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and

your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to

begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9

days/year).

• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%

and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC),

Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to

$75/month).

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and

dependent care expenses.

• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee

Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our

employee discount programs. 

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. 

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.