Deputy State Medicaid Director

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 139,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% paid)

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services seeks a Deputy State Medicaid Director to lead policy, strategic direction, and overall operations for Medicaid and CHIP. This executive role collaborates across divisions, overseeing staff and coordinating with providers, MCOs, and stakeholders to drive outcomes and efficiency.

The DSMD acts as the backup to the State Medicaid Director, guiding initiatives, driving program improvements, and representing the

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a related field of business.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in publicly funded health programs with experience related to Medicaid and CHIP operations.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership positions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the leadership team to develop and administer all aspects of the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
• Contributes to policy formation, strategic direction, high-level priority setting, decision-making, and overall leadership of the department.
• Ensures the highest level of member and provider experience and improved outcomes through program, quality, and operational initiatives.
• Fosters innovation through policy and process development.
• Provides day to day leadership by directing and aligning staff on division goals.
• Advises the State Medicaid Director on all areas of operation and keeps other leadership team members apprised of changes or issues that arise with providers, stakeholders, and agency contractors.
• Implements new initiatives, resolving problems that cross multiple departments, reducing any downstream negative impacts to members, providers, and MCOs.
• Evaluates and strategically responds to developments and changes affecting operations in order to sustain or adjust plans.

Skills

Medicaid policy

CHIP policy

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Staff management

Policy analysis

Excellent writing

Verbal communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Career Opportunities: Deputy State Medicaid Director (21698)

Posting ID21698-Posted09/21/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-MCS Chief Office-Management-Not Eligible for Telework-f. $11000 - $14999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional Title:Deputy State Medicaid Director
Job Title:Deputy Director I
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:MCS Chief Office
Posting Number:21698
Closing Date:10/05/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Management
Salary Range:$12,427.83-$17,370.75
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-B-33
Shift:Day
Additional Shift:None
Telework:Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:Regular
Full Time/Part Time:Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City:AUSTIN
Job Location Address:4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:None

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Deputy State Medicaid Director (DSMD). The DSMD is a key leadership position with a broad range of responsibilities that are critical to ensuring the division is successful in fulfilling its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans.

Reporting to and working in collaboration with the State Medicaid Director, the DSMD provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that MCS has optimal policies, business processes, administrative and reporting procedures, and monitoring systems to effectively operate the division while ensuring financial strength and operational efficiency. They are responsible for strategically driving outcomes in the Medicaid and CHIP programs while working with managed care organizations and providers to ensure the programs evolve and are structured in a way to achieve quality and efficiency. They ensure that results of various programmatic analyses and reviews lead to policy and operational changes that drive program improvements.

The DSMD also serves as the main back‑up to the State Medicaid Director representing the division with stakeholders and in legislative hearings.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working in partnership with other team members to drive strategy and results, embracing and solving specific challenges the organization faces, bringing fresh ideas to Medicaid and CHIP in Texas, integrating mission and values into management practices, and leading in a fast‑paced environment. The DSMD is a collaborator, adept at fostering relationships with internal staff, managed care organizations, providers, constituency groups, contractors, and other agencies and stakeholders.The DSMD will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Collaborates with the leadership team to develop and administer all aspects of the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
• Contributes to policy formation, strategic direction, high‑level priority setting, decision‑making, and overall leadership of the department.
• Ensures the highest level of member and provider experience and improved outcomes through program, quality, and operational initiatives.
• Fosters innovation through policy and process development.
• Provides day to day leadership by directing and aligning staff on division goals.
• Advises the State Medicaid Director on all areas of operation and keeps other leadership team members apprised of changes or issues that arise with providers, stakeholders, and agency contractors.
• Implements new initiatives, resolving problems that cross multiple departments, reducing any downstream negative impacts to members, providers, and MCOs.
• Evaluates and strategically responds to developments and changes affecting operations in order to sustain or adjust plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Broad and deep knowledge of Medicaid and CHIP policy and operations and the interconnectivity of diverse and complex functions.
• Knowledge of State and Federal regulations, laws, and legislative priorities and processes regarding the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
• Ability to envision and execute high‑level and complex administrative, operational, and policy changes that improve the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
• Ability to establish effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws and HHSC Medicaid/CHIP program requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in using good judgment to a) seek and use information, including data and financial information, to support decision‑making; b) anticipate the consequences of decisions and actions; c) communicate information; d) interact constructively with others both within and outside the organization; e) maintain confidentiality, as appropriate; and f) choose actions that are beneficial to, and consistent with, the mission, goals, and culture of the organization.
• Ability to take initiative, think independently, and contribute constructively to long‑term planning, priority setting and decision‑making.
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills, characterized by the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts. Demonstrated ability to use creativity and resourcefulness to a) conceptualize and implement new policies, programs, and procedures; b) set priorities for self and others; and c) achieve maximum functioning with available resources.
• Ability to apply systems thinking inclusive of critical analysis, forecasting and measurement related to strategic objectives and business goals.
• Ability to promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values a commitment to quality through coaching and managerial oversight of staff performance and development.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Ability to effectively manage staff.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a related field of business.

Minimum of 10 years' experience in publicly funded health programs with experience related to Medicaid and CHIP operations and policy, including directing complex programs or initiatives related to health and human services.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership positions.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on‑line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.