Systems Contracts Strategy Bureau Chief

This is a non-merit position.  Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.  Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Medicaid, is seeking a Systems Contracts Strategy Bureau Chief to shape the vision, direction, and execution of Medicaid’s system modernization strategy.

About the Role

This role sets the vision for system modernization, oversees major technology investments, and ensures alignment with enterprise IT, cloud, analytics, and data governance strategies. 

You will drive long-term modernization, strengthen internal capability, and represent Medicaid leadership across high-level strategic forums.

Strategic & Enterprise Leadership

• Lead the Medicaid systems strategy, setting vision, priorities, and modernization roadmaps.
• Oversee the Medicaid Technology Roadmap, annual investment planning, and modernization portfolio.
• Ensure alignment with Iowa HHS enterprise strategies, including cloud, infrastructure, analytics modernization, and data governance.

Modernization Governance & Coordination

• Represent Medicaid and HHS leadership with internal/external stakeholders on system strategy and modernization.
• Oversee governance for intake, prioritization, impact analysis, testing, and implementation of system changes.

Contracting & Vendor Management

• Supervise IT contracting staff, including RFP development, negotiations, vendor oversight, and lifecycle management in collaboration with Department of Management IT (DOM-DoIT).
• Establish systems to monitor vendor performance, reporting accuracy, compliance, and operational risk.

Operational Alignment & Risk Management

• Ensure alignment among operational needs, data quality processes, testing strategies, and modernization objectives.
• Support emergency/disaster response activities tied to modernization and enterprise coordination.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership in systems strategy, modernization, or enterprise IT governance.
• Strong ability to drive strategic alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience with IT contracting, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and performance oversight.
• Skilled in high-level communication, executive briefing, and decision-support analysis.
• Ability to build internal capability, lead teams, and manage complex work portfolios.
• Strategic and agile mindset to navigate evolving modernization needs.

Why Join Us?
This role provides the opportunity to shape statewide Medicaid modernization, strengthen enterprise coordination, and lead a high-impact team driving long-term systems transformation. Your leadership will influence strategic decisions and modernization success across Iowa’s health and human services enterprise.

You will enjoy working with the Medicaid team from the beautifully remodeled Lucas Building, across from the State Capitol Building and enjoy a hybrid work schedule after completing a 6-month probationary period.

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).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.