Medicaid Federal Policy Director (Health Policy & Program Manager 3)

About the position

The primary purpose of this role is to ensure the Medicaid Division is in compliance with federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) policy. The person in this position will define a cohesive and comprehensive approach to federal policy analysis, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring within the context of Oregon law and practice and in alignment with the Oregon Health Authority's strategic plan and strategic goal to eliminate health inequities by 2030. They will lead and mentor a team of senior level policy analysts, guiding the team in translating federal regulations into actionable plans that directly shape policy, program, rule, and community and partner engagement. This position will provide focused and strategic guidance, regulatory expertise and relationship brokering across divisions and state and federal agencies to drive innovation and assure compliance. In addition, they will lead the planning and coordination of new policy implementation across a complex landscape of federal and state regulations. The Medicaid Federal Policy Director plays a critical role in shaping the Medicaid Division's approach to federal policy by staying ahead of emerging regulatory changes and ensuring the program remains aligned with federal guidelines. They act as the primary liaison between the state Medicaid program and federal entities, advocating for the state's needs while ensuring that the division responds promptly and effectively to federal directives. The director ensures that the division not only meets regulatory requirements but also operates efficiently and innovatively within the federal framework and coordinates with the Medicaid Executive Team to shape the federal strategy. The policy and program areas under the purview of the director result in over $10 billion annual federal funding dollars. This position will collaborate with diverse populations most harmed by social injustice and inequities and will demonstrate the ability to build and steward positive, collaborative and partnership-based relationships with diverse community groups including communities of color, immigrant groups, the disability and neurodivergent communities, veterans, older adults, individuals identifying as LGBTQIA2S+ and other communities that have been traditionally marginalized.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal Medicaid and CHIP policy.
• Define a cohesive approach to federal policy analysis, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Lead and mentor a team of senior level policy analysts.
• Translate federal regulations into actionable plans.
• Provide strategic guidance and regulatory expertise across divisions.
• Lead planning and coordination of new policy implementation.
• Act as the primary liaison between the state Medicaid program and federal entities.
• Advocate for the state's needs in response to federal directives.
• Collaborate with diverse populations and community groups.

Requirements

• Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR four years of related experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience leading or supporting the development, implementation, and refinement of policies and programs that advance health equity.
• Knowledge of health services delivery systems, particularly the Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid administration.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes; experience analyzing and advising on relevant federal and state laws.
• Experience in effectively managing teams and fostering a trusting team culture.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience evaluating and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Knowledge about contracts/interagency agreement administration and grant administration.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts.
• 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training opportunities for career growth.