Interdepartmental Project Manager

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management•Cranston, RI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support complex initiatives that improve the delivery of health and human services programs across the state. This role will coordinate cross-agency projects that advance program modernization, operational performance, policy implementation, and customer service improvements. The Project Manager will work closely with DHS leadership, program administrators, and external partners to plan, manage, and execute initiatives affecting programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, child care assistance, long-term services and supports, and other public benefit programs. Projects may involve technology implementation, business process redesign, federal and state policy changes, program integrity initiatives, and service delivery improvements.

Requirements

Possession of a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field.
Considerable employment in a highly responsible position involving responsibility for the research, fiscal analysis and policy development and dissemination of information.
Resume and cover letter required.
In-depth familiarity with project management tools and processes.
Experience with managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders in government setting.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication, problem solving, and delegation skills.
Demonstrated significant ability to lead cross-agency professionals through collaboration and effective project management.
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate to multiple stakeholders.
Versatile project management skills with the ability to learn quickly and work with limited oversight and supervision.
Strong command of modern technology (Full MS Office suite, Tableau, Jira).
A minimum of five to seven years of experience of working with executive level or senior level management.
Project management certification or designation required (please provide documentation/verification).

Nice To Haves

Experience with health and human services programs, government operations, policy implementation, or large-scale operational change initiatives is highly desirable.
Interest and experience in human and/or social services or state government.

Responsibilities

Work with State agencies and/or organizations to strengthen cross-system collaboration and implement integrated service organization and delivery policies.
Be responsible for special project development authorized and delegated by a director.
Perform research, fiscal and policy analysis on various issues affecting consumers of human service programs.
Serve in a highly responsible communications capacity representing a number of state departments in their contact with state, local, public and media officials.
Perform complex program analysis and evaluation of departmental services.
Research and write commentary on various issues affecting consumers of human service programs.
Resolve complaints or objections and to prepare reports on complex issues for consideration and decision by the director(s).
Be responsible for developing and maintaining a continuous coordinated effort in liaison with the general assembly, state agencies, general public, and media.
Be responsible for the development, implementation, and dissemination of newsletter specific to legislative changes and their impact.
Operate publishing, graphic, and financial computer programs required for specific projects.
Represent the director(s) as assigned in contacts with constituents and officials to explain specific polices and their impact.
Keep departmental officials informed of the director's decisions and recommendations on programs and policies.
Make frequent contact with departmental officials relative to decisions and recommendations on program and policy issues.
Manage multiple concurrent projects that support DHS strategic priorities and operational improvements.
Develop project plans, timelines, risk mitigation strategies, and performance metrics.
Design project goals and intended outcomes, including metrics for measuring success, compliance, and deliverable status.
Coordinate across program areas, IT teams, policy staff, and external partners to ensure successful implementation of initiatives.
Support modernization efforts involving eligibility systems, digital service delivery, and data-driven decision making.
Translate policy or regulatory changes into operational implementation plans.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement, working groups, and cross-agency coordination efforts.
Monitor project progress and prepare briefings, status reports, and executive updates for leadership.
Identify potential risks and issues related to the project, problem solve internally, and escalate to the appropriate staff and leadership.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance service delivery for Rhode Islanders.
Create dashboards and tools to assist the business in prioritization and release planning activities.
Provide project updates to DHS leadership as requested and needed.
Create regular opportunities to communicate with your supervisor about the project, and relay decisions made and risks for the project.
Develop a plan to escalate issues and priorities to leadership through appropriate supervisory structure and other escalation vehicles.
Work with DHS communications to draft presentations for the General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and other State agencies regarding assigned projects, as needed.