IT Product Manager

the South Dakota State Government•Sioux Falls, SD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Department of Social Services is seeking up to three IT Product Managers with technical product-management experience and a background in software development projects. Positions focus on Behavioral Health and the Human Services Center, Medical Services, or the Office of the Secretary. Product Managers work with division leadership, subject-matter experts, clinicians, operational staff, IT teams, product users, and other stakeholders to define, prioritize, and guide technology initiatives aligned with Department objectives. The Behavioral Health and Human Services Center focus supports technology initiatives that strengthen clinical operations, improve staff efficiency and patient experience, support data management, and ensure regulatory compliance. The Medical Services focus supports Medicaid program technology initiatives, including work related to MMIS and claims processing. The Office of the Secretary focus supports regulatory and compliance processes and tools used to license foster homes, child care providers, youth care providers, and behavioral health facilities. This focus also works with the Data Strategy team to improve the use of data in service delivery and supports enterprise tools used across the Department. The role includes strategic planning and development of IT products and solutions; building product roadmaps and maintaining product backlogs; prioritizing features and overseeing product development; and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver product launches. It also includes project planning and execution, resource and budget management, team coordination, risk and change management, progress reporting, stakeholder communication, and project documentation. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. The State does not sponsor work visas. Applicants must apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

Requirements

Four to five years of experience as an IT product owner or in a related IT field.
Strong technical background in product management and prior experience with software development projects.
Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with a cross-functional team.
Ability to understand technical specification manuals and help ensure project scope encompasses project goals.
Knowledge and experience with healthcare transaction standards, including ASC X12 and NCPDP.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing a product throughout its lifecycle (SDLC).
Project management certification such as PMP or a similar certification.
For the Medicaid focus, MMIS and claims-processing experience.

Responsibilities

Understand and manage internal and external stakeholders who support IT products used by programs.
Review program-specific software and processes to inform system support.
Collaborate with teams that use the products and with other divisions, IT teams, and stakeholders.
Build and manage product roadmaps, maintain and refine product backlogs, prioritize features, and oversee product development.
Contribute to strategic planning and development of IT products and solutions.
Collaborate with development, design, and training teams to support successful product launches.
Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables with stakeholders, aligning work with business goals and requirements.
Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocations, and manage project budgets.
Lead project teams, coordinate activities, assign tasks, and ensure adherence to schedules and milestones.
Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Communicate project progress, updates, and status reports to stakeholders, partners, and senior management.
Manage changes to project scope, timelines, and requirements and assess their impact on deliverables and resources.
Conduct project meetings and facilitate communication among team members and stakeholders.
Ensure adherence to project management methodologies, best practices, and quality standards.
Monitor project progress, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
Manage project documentation, including plans, status reports, and records of project decisions and changes.
For the Behavioral Health and Human Services Center focus, guide technology initiatives that support clinical operations, staff efficiency, patient experience, data management, and regulatory compliance.
For the Medicaid focus, partner with division leadership to guide technology initiatives for the Medicaid program and its recipients.
For the Office of the Secretary focus, oversee technology and business processes supporting regulatory and compliance work, provider licensing, data strategy, and enterprise tools.