Title:  Medicaid Director - Exempt

Overview

The State Medicaid and Health Care Systems Director is a senior executive leader within the Agency of Human Services (AHS), responsible for directing the strategic vision for both Vermont’s Medicaid program and broader health care system reforms. This role ensures the integration of Medicaid priorities with the agency’s broader health goals, facilitating policy development, financial management, and program execution across multiple departments. The Director also serves as a key liaison with state and federal legislators, health care providers, and community organizations. This role demands a dynamic leader capable of strategic vision, operational excellence, and effective stakeholder collaboration. It also requires a strategic thinker capable of leading complex health care systems while ensuring high-quality, equitable care for Vermont’s residents. 

Key Responsibilities

1.    Strategic Leadership in Health Care and Medicaid:
   o    Set and lead strategic priorities for Vermont’s Medicaid program and broader health reforms, including innovative delivery models, value-based care, and population health strategies.
   o    Oversee health care program alignment across six AHS departments, including the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), Department of Health (VDH), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL), Department for Children and Families (DCF), and Department of Corrections (DOC).
   o    Lead initiatives to improve integrated care models that span the full spectrum of health services.
   o    Ensure effective management of the Medicaid program, balancing fiscal responsibility with high-quality care for beneficiaries.
   o    Directly oversees the Medicaid Policy and the Healthcare Reform Directors (Health Care Reform team includes Blueprint for Health, AHS Field Services, and the Vermont Chronic Care Initiative) 
   o    Serves as the primary liaison between AHS Central Office and the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL).
2.  Medicaid Program Oversight:
   o    Provide executive leadership for Vermont’s Medicaid program, including program design, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
   o    Set strategic priorities for Vermont Medicaid, which is administered across all 6 of the Agency’s Departments.
   o    Ensure cross-department collaboration to break down functional silos and align Medicaid efforts with broader health system goals.
   o    Serve as the Agency's primary point of contact with the CMS.
3.  Financial Management and Budget Oversight:
   o    Lead components of the planning and financial strategy development to support long-term program sustainability and cost-effectiveness for the $1.7 Medicaid and broader Agency budget.
   o    Coordinate financial oversight with federal partners and state agencies to ensure compliance and optimize funding streams.
   o    Facilitate the development of financial strategies that support health care reform initiatives and align with the agency’s broader mission.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
   o    Serve as a liaison between AHS and external stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office, state and federal legislators, provider groups, and community organizations.
   o    Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners to advance health policy goals and legislative priorities.
   o    Provide testimony to legislative bodies and advocate for Medicaid and health care reform initiatives at the state and national levels.4.    Executive Team Collaboration:
   o    Contribute to the broader AHS executive leadership team, helping to set agency priorities, allocate human and financial resources, and establish legislative goals.
   o    Participate in high-level decision-making and strategic planning to support the overall mission of AHS.
   o    Ensure alignment between Medicaid programs and broader health care reform initiatives.
5. Executive Team Collaboration:
   o    Contribute to the broader AHS executive leadership team, helping to set agency priorities, allocate human and financial resources, and establish legislative goals.
   o    Participate in high-level decision-making and strategic planning to support the overall mission of AHS.
   o    Ensure alignment between Medicaid programs and broader health care reform initiatives.

Who May Apply

This position, Medicaid Director - Exempt (Job Requisition #52787), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact kristin.kellett@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.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in health care administration, public health, public policy, business administration, or related field.
•    Significant leadership experience in Medicaid program administration, health care, health policy, or health insurance administration.
•    Strong business acumen, political savvy, and experience working with state and federal agencies.
•    Proven ability to lead complex organizations through change and innovation.
•    Exceptional communication skills and ability to build collaborative partnerships.

Ideal Candidate Skills:
•    Strategic vision and purpose
•    Effective delegation and leadership
•    Conflict management and negotiation
•    Technical expertise in health systems and regulations
•    Leading innovation, driving healthcare reform and managing change
•    Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
•    Communicate effectively with internal and external audiences
•    Competent personnel management
•    Build collaborative partnerships across multiple departments and sectors

Equal Opportunity Employer