Health Policy and Projects Manager

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

11 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Retirement benefits

Dental and vision

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services, seeks a Health Policy and Projects Manager to drive policy initiatives and reimbursement updates from the Capitol to the field. This is a full-time role based in Pierre with potential consideration for other locations.

The ideal candidate will have strong project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement skills, plus knowledge of Medicaid policy and provider reimbursement methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Experience in health policy, public administration or Medicaid is desired.
• Strong project management, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy and strategic project initiatives including grants management.
• Evaluate Medicaid programs for effectiveness and compliance.
• Update provider reimbursement methodologies and draft RFPs.
• Support training, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with internal divisions and external partners to align policy.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Policy development

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Health Policy and Projects Manager - 37255

68,000 - 73,500 US per year

Posted 2 weeks ago | Apply before September 21, 2026

Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 37255
Agency: Department of Social Services/Division of Medical Services
Location:Pierre, SD- Other locations may be considered for candidates currently working in the Division of Medical Services.
Salary: $68,000 to $73,500Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade:K
Closing Date:09/21/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/ .

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services, also known as South Dakota Medicaid, plays a vital role in the healthcare of many South Dakotans. The program is one of the largest healthcare insurers in South Dakota, covering approximately 142,000 individuals on a monthly basis. The program primarily covers children of low‑income families including approximately 50 percent of children in South Dakota under age one. Other individuals covered by South Dakota Medicaid include low‑income pregnant women, parents, and other caretaker relatives, seniors in nursing homes, individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, and other individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

South Dakota Medicaid is seeking two highly qualified individuals to join our policy, projects, and reimbursement team. Duties may include:

• Leading policy and strategic project initiatives including federal grants management.
• Manage policy projects and timelines, ensuring deliverables meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate existing Medicaid programs and policies for effectiveness, compliance, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate and help lead efforts to update healthcare provider reimbursement methodologies.
• Manage contracts and draft requests for proposals.
• Support implementation of new policies through training, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with internal divisions, external partners, and stakeholders to gather input and ensure policy alignment.
• Monitor federal CMS communications and regulatory guidance, emerging trends, and best practices in Medicaid policy.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Medicaid policies, procedures, and provider manuals.
• Leverage data to inform decisions, monitor the program’s performance, and measure outcomes.
• Conduct research and prepare policy briefs, issue papers, and recommendations for leadership.
• Providing support to leadership by writing correspondence and preparing presentations/speaking points.
• Assist with oversight of Medicaid Home and Community Based waiver services.

Experience related to grant management, fiscal analysis, contract management, healthcare reimbursement methodologies, medical coding, PowerBI, or Home and Community Based Services waivers is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• project management and leadership skills;
• experience coordinating stakeholder meetings and developing presentations;
• experience managing projects and/or staff;
• experience in health policy, public administration or Medicaid;
• knowledge of data analysis and data visualization;
• knowledge of Medicaid and public assistance programs;
• knowledge of healthcare provider reimbursement methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• demonstrate strong project management and organizational skills;
• maintain exceptional attention to detail;
• communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally;
• work cohesively in a team environment;
• lead organizational change, develop successful teams, and inspire high performance;
• develop and implement policies for statewide implementation;
• establish, implement, and communicate goals, objectives, policies, and procedures with internal and external stakeholders;
• identify, recommend, and implement process improvements and efficiencies;
• apply analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills;
• perform policy focused research;
• prepare, review, and analyze reports;
• conduct strategic planning and problem solving;
• develop relationships with stakeholders.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits.You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.